ST. PAUL, MN – Lt. Governor Tina Smith today led a panel discussion in Worthington with local business leaders and state agency commissioners to highlight the success of the Minnesota Business First Stop program. The First Stop program, which was established by Governor Mark Dayton in 2012, simplifies the permitting process for businesses looking to expand and create jobs by providing one place to call to get needed assistance. Businesses previously had to bounce from one agency to another to complete the permitting process, which made the undertaking confusing and take longer.

 

“Minnesota Business First Stop, together with reforms to speed up business permitting, are helping Minnesota businesses expand and create jobs more quickly, while maintaining our high environmental standards,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “We have made excellent progress to make state government more efficient and responsive, but we have more work to do. We need to build on this success so that state government better meets the needs of Minnesotans.”

 

Since its inception, Minnesota Business First Stop has helped more than 100 companies across the state cut through red tape, grow their business, and create jobs. Last month, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued its annual permitting efficiency report that found 97 percent of job-creating permits were issued in 150 days or less – allowing Minnesota businesses to build, expand, and create jobs, while still ensuring rigorous protection of human health and the environment.

 

“Minnesota Business First Stop streamlines the process for business projects that need assistance from multiple agencies,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “Whether a business needs financing, licensing, permits or other assistance, the Business First Stop team is there to help.”

 

Lt. Governor Smith was joined for the panel discussion at the Biotech Advancement Center in Worthington by leaders from local businesses, including Bioverse, JBS USA, and Prairie Holdings. Also participating in the panel were Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Shawntera Hardy, Pollution Control Agency Commissioner John Stine, Natural Resources Commissioner Dave Frederickson, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly, Labor and Industry Commissioner Ken Peterson, and Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board Commissioner Mark Phillips.

 

Shortly after taking office in January 2011, Governor Dayton issued Executive Order 11-04 directing the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency to “move at the speed of commerce” by streamlining the permitting process to ensure that permitting decisions for job-creating projects are made in timely manner. In January 2012, the Governor established the Minnesota Business First Stop program to further simplify permitting. Lt. Governor Smith, then serving as Chief of Staff, played a critical role in leading the Administration’s implementation of Better Government and permitting reforms. By January 2013, 96 percent of permitting decisions for job-creating projects were being issued in 150 days or less.

 

Individuals interested in expanding or starting a business in Minnesota can learn more about the Business First Stop Program here.