Putting It Together: -The Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development CALL FOR CONFERENCE SUBMISSIONS

A One-Day Conference

March 7, 2005

Cosponsored by

Office of Advocacy,
U.S. Small Business Administration
Council of State Governments
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
National Lieutenant Governors Association

The cosponsors of this conference are interested in submissions from state
government policymakers and economic development leaders for initiatives that have
yielded more small business growth, created new jobs, and improved the state’s
overall economy. In order for an initiative to warrant consideration for this
conference, proposals must be able to document an increase in entrepreneurial
activity. New initiatives must show how progress will be measured.

On March 7, 2005, a one-day conference will be held to explore the “best practices”
of state leaders in formulating initiatives that spur entrepreneurship and economic
growth. Selected leaders, whose practices are demonstrating market-based results,
will present their successes to their peers and will be eligible for “best practices”
awards.

A summary document will be prepared and made available to small
business owners, Congress, academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders to
highlight successful state economic development initiatives.
For example, did the state tweak the tax code to encourage more home-based businesses? Has it encouraged new
spin-offs from university research and development through funding of technology transfer programs? Did the
state create a business-friendly environment by reducing the regulatory burden on small businesses? These are
just a few possible examples.

Winners will be recognized in several ways. They will:

• Be eligible to present and showcase their initiatives at the conference;

• Be recognized with a “Best Practices” award at the conference;

• Receive ongoing recognition, including local and national media outreach; and

• Be profiled in a summary publication that will document their success.

Submission packages should include:

• A completed submission form, available on Advocacy’s website, http://www.sba.gov/advo/stats/conference.html.

• A letter of nomination, not to exceed two pages, explaining why the program or policy should be recognized
as a “best practice.”

• A narrative, not to exceed 10 pages, profiling the initiative or policy. It should describe the initiative the
state has undertaken, and the motives for doing so. The narrative should highlight which government officials
are ultimately responsible for administering this initiative and/or which political figure was responsible for
spearheading it through the legislative or executive processes. Costs for the program should be detailed in the
description.

The write-up should include documentation of an increase in entrepreneurial activity. New
initiatives must show how progress will be measured. In addition, the narrative should describe what other
states may learn from the initiative. For instance, what makes this initiative different from those of other
states? Or how does this initiative make the state more competitive, entrepreneurial, and business-friendly?

• Any other supporting documentation that might be relevant to the evaluation.

The submission should be thorough but concise, and it should contain enough information for evaluation. To
submit an initiative for consideration at this conference, please send items via fax or overnight delivery to:

Chad Moutray, Chief Economist

Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration

409 Third Street, S.W., Suite 7800

Washington, DC 20416

Phone: (202) 205-6533

Fax: (202) 205-6928

E-Mail: [email protected]

Since all mail sent to the U.S. government is irradiated, do not send submissions via the regular postal service.

All submissions must be received by Friday, December 17, 2004, in order to be considered.

Follow-up conversations or visits may be required to better assess the effectiveness of certain submissions.

Evaluation will be conducted by the program cosponsors. Winners who are selected to make presentations at the
conference will be notified in January 2005. Attendance at the conference will be by invitation only. All
submitters will be invited to attend the March 7, 2005, conference.

The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, the Kauffman Foundation, the Council on State Governments, and the National
Lieutenant Governors Association to this activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsor’s or participant’s opinions, products, or
services. All SBA programs or cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities
will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Luciette Wren, 409 Third Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20416. Phone: (202) 205-7749. Refer to
Cosponsorship Authorization Number: 04-3111-49.