December 3, 2014 at 3:55 p.m.
Office of Business Development helps small businesses have a voice in government
Office of Business Development helps small businesses have a voice in government
Mistele spent over an hour explaining to those present how her office helps small businesses cut through the regulatory red tape that can hamper business development.
Created in 2012 by Gov. Scott Walker, the office is meant to "give business a voice in government reforms," Mistele told the group.
"We can't help anybody that doesn't know we exist, which is why I'm here today, because our goal is to be out and about and meet with everybody across the state so you can hear what we have to say and so we can help you," she said.
"Our goal is to hear what your recommendations are for rule changes. ... The legislature and the agencies really need to hear from you and your sectors of industry about how the rules are affecting you."
"We are kind of the Ann Landers, the concierge of state government. If you have an issue, no matter which agency it's with, you can bring it to us and we'll try to help get it resolved," she added.
"We advocate for business interests. We are your kind of watchdog on the inside."
Besides working with small business owners to make sure their voices are heard by those writing the laws, rules and regulations, Mistele said her office also works one-on-one with the businesses to ensure the regulations in place are being enforced as intended.
"The folks in the legislature and the folks in the agencies, most of them have been there for a very long time. They don't live in your shoes. They don't walk in your shoes. They perhaps never were out in the private sector. Unfortunately, that's becoming all too common," she said.
"They don't know how the rules are being interpreted. So even though a law is passed and a rule might be written in a certain way that they believe is being understood and properly enforced in one fashion, I can tell you, you can give that same piece of code to five inspectors, regardless of the agency it goes to, and you're going to have five opinions. If the law is written in such a vague manner that they can't agree on it, how in the world do you expect everybody on the outside to agree, either?"
Mistele said anyone facing what they feel is an unreasonable restriction to their business should study the code or statute being referenced.
"If you ever have an issue with any agent in any agency, and they tell you (that you) need to do something or you can't do something, ask them to show you where in the code it says that," she said.
"Make them show you the code. I guarantee you there will be circumstances where they can't produce it."
If that doesn't work, Mistele encourages entrepreneurs to contact her office. She said her staff will work with businesses to either clarify what is needed to proceed on a certain project or make sure concerns are heard by legislators.
"The issue is what's the compliance requirement on the business, and can we craft it in such a way that it's not onerous," she said.
"I'm not saying it should go away, I'm just saying we should simplify things and hear from businesses on how to do it better or differently so that it doesn't become a burden."
To help businesses contact the office with questions or concerns, a business helpline has been set up. It can be reached by calling (800) 940-7232. Mistele can be reached at (608) 267-7873. Rule change recommendations can also be submitted online at www.smallbusiness.wi.gov.
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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