Gov. Ned Lamont has joined governors from more than two dozen states in signing a bipartisan compact aimed at making entrepreneurship and small-business development a greater priority in state government.
Lamont is among 31 governors from U.S. states and territories who have signed the Governor’s Compact on Entrepreneurship, according to an announcement Thursday from Right to Start and More Perfect, two organizations behind a national campaign promoting entrepreneurship.
The compact outlines steps governors can take to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses, although the announcement did not identify any new Connecticut programs, funding or policy changes resulting from Lamont signing the agreement.
In an emailed statement, David Bednarz, senior press secretary for the governor, confirmed that Lamont signed onto the initiative and said the governor looks forward to working the National Governors Association and other participating states to promote entrepreneurism.
The initiative was developed by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, during his recently completed term as chairman of the NGA. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who succeeded Stitt as NGA chairman, continues to promote the effort.
Those signing the compact include governors of both political parties. In addition to Lamont, participating governors from the Northeast include New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott.
The compact was modeled in part on an executive order Stitt issued in January that created what organizers describe as the country’s first executive-level chief entrepreneurial officer. The Oklahoma position reports directly to the governor and is charged with identifying and addressing barriers faced by entrepreneurs.
The compact, however, does not require states to create a similar position. Instead, it provides a framework for governors to consider policies designed to make entrepreneurship a greater economic and civic priority.
The compact is part of America the Entrepreneurial, a national campaign launched by Right to Start and More Perfect as the country marks its 250th anniversary.
Organizers said the campaign has generated more than 1,800 actions related to entrepreneurship across all 50 states and two U.S. territories during the past six months. The initiative will hold a national summit Nov. 19 and 20 in Washington, D.C., bringing together government, civic and business leaders to discuss entrepreneurship and related public policy.
