2SSB 5652 (2007)

JLARC evaluated the state’s microenterprise development program and concluded that the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) provides business development services and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations. These organizations in turn provide business development services to entrepreneurs and leverage state funds to attract non-state dollars. JLARC found that the Department of Commerce is not complying with its statutory obligation to provide organizational support to WSMA, and that its current contract reporting and verification process is inadequate. The report makes two recommendations to improve these areas.