This launch marks the creation of a new resource one former North Dakota CIO said would be “transformational” for businesses. Under the leadership of the current state CIO Corey Mock, a key priority is using technology to better serve North Dakotans.
ND Gateway provides one single portal with a simplified user experience, through which business owners can access government services. Some of the features that are live as part of Wednesday’s launch are a business interest form, a business checklist and a starting a business form.
The first is intended to provide a simple way for entrepreneurs and other users to share new business ideas with the state, in an effort to identify and support potential opportunities for business creation.
The second is a checklist to help users understand the process of creating or changing a business in the state, giving them a point from which to build.
The third is an updated web form from the state Department of Commerce, enhanced from a previous resource of this kind to help users more quickly access resources they need from the Small Business Development Centers and to connect with Commerce’s Community Services, and Economic Development and Finance teams.
The portal launch is just the “first step of many” for ND Gateway, Evonne Amundson, state chief business applications officer, said in a statement.
“Business leaders should spend their time on the needs of their customers and staff, not drowning in redundant layers of bureaucracy,” Amundson said.
And while the portal provides a convenient method of accessing government services and relevant information, Amundson said users who already have a method of accessing business-related services through individual agency websites may still do so through other channels if they prefer. The state’s “no wrong door” perspective centers on the idea that any channel through which residents connect with government is a proper channel to do so. This portal merely intends to simplify that process.
The portal will continue to evolve as the state adds additional business tools and resources, from registrations to annual reports, to tax and insurance compliance, and general tutorials. The ultimate goal is to provide one single location through which business owners and entrepreneurs can access these things.
Initial participants in the ND Gateway launch are the Secretary of State, the Office of the State Tax Commissioner, Job Service North Dakota, and the departments of Workforce Safety and Insurance, and Commerce. More agencies and services are expected to join in future phases.
