Governor and Secretary of State Announce New Internet Service to Assist Entrepreneurs

For Immediate Release
August 18, 1999
Contact: Melissa Forsythe or Mark Pfeiffer @ (502) 564-2611 or
Lisa Summers @ (502) 564-3490

Frankfort, Ky. - "Kentucky is now one of the first states in the nation to offer an Internet service specifically designed to assist our business entrepreneurs," said Governor Paul Patton who joined Secretary of State John Y. Brown III in a joint announcement of the One-Stop Business Licensing Program.

The program is designed to greatly simplify the maze of regulatory red tape all new business owners experience. It allows entrepreneurs to go on-line to determine which of over 600 state licenses or permits are needed for their particular business. The service immediately identifies the specific state licenses required for each of over 1,800 business types. Governor Patton said, "This Program will greatly enhance opportunities to small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to start new businesses in Kentucky or expand existing businesses."

"State government should always seek to be an ally and not a burdensome obstacle for those individuals attempting to start new businesses and create new jobs in Kentucky," said Secretary of State Brown who spearheaded the program. "This service saves precious time and resources often spent mired in regulatory requirements and now allows entrepreneurs to focus their energies on what’s most important—making sure their business succeeds."

Partners with the Secretary of State in development of the One-Stop Business Licensing Program included Governor Paul Patton’s EMPOWER Kentucky Program and the Cabinet for Economic Development. The program will be maintained by the cabinet’s Business Information Clearinghouse.

"We are trying to make it easier for businesses, from start-ups to existing, to acquire information more efficiently," said Gene Strong, Secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development. "I believe this is just a precursor to how Kentucky State government can use the Internet to enhance services to many types of businesses."

Individuals, small business development centers, and other programs assisting new businesses are expected to utilize this service. Those using the program will be able to not only access information on which licenses are required, but also the contact person in state government for that license, fees and requirements, statutory and regulatory citations, the rationale for the license, and even links to forms available on the Internet.

The One-Stop Business Licensing Program can be accessed at: www.sos.state.ky.us or www.edc.state.ky.us.

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