(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

A 99-yard kickoff return touchdown would be nice for West Virginia, in the economic Backyard Brawl, but the state needs to get a few first downs, too. One idea for helping make some of those smaller plays successful is the formation of an Office of Entrepreneurship, through state House Bill 5200. The bill is sitting in the House Government Organization Committee, and has some big supporters.

Among them is West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner, who on Wednesday encouraged lawmakers to support the measure.

“Entrepreneurship has always been a cornerstone of strong, resilient economies, and West Virginia is no exception,” he said. “From startups to established small businesses, entrepreneurs are driving growth and creating jobs in our communities. We must continue building an environment where they are supported and encouraged to succeed.”

From Warner’s point of view, an Office of Entrepreneurship, within the Secretary of State’s office, would build on work already being accomplished.

“Many entrepreneurs want to start a business but don’t know where to turn,” Warner said. “We regularly connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with people and resources from the Small Business Development Center, WV Grant Resource Centers, and a number of other agencies. The Office of Entrepreneurship will expand those liaison services and guidance we can offer while ensuring we do not duplicate the work of other agencies.”

Part of the bill includes the creation of a special revenue account called the “West Virginia Office of Entrepreneurship Fund,” and the appropriation of an annual $175,000 to that fund. In addition to that, the office would be authorized to generate revenue through “reasonable fees,” though “government liaison services shall remain available to all entrepreneurs, startups and scale-ups at no cost.”

Warner’s office is right to suggest “fostering entrepreneurship will support job creation, economic diversification and long-term prosperity across the state.” Now the challenge is ensuring a measure that would increase full-time employees, provide an appropriation and include a little rulemaking earns its keep.

Given the agency already works with 162,400 registered businesses, if anyone can ensure his office makes that happen, it is Warner.