HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2761

(D) (C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO SMALL
BUSINESSES, INCLUDING:

(1)  OPERATION OF AN INFORMATION EXCHANGE COVERING
CURRENT AND NEW TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND DATA CONCERNING
BUSINESS INVESTMENT AND MARKETING TRENDS IN THIS STATE,
MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES, TECHNOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE, ADMINISTRATIVE
METHODS, PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS, FEDERAL AND
STATE LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS AFFECTING SMALL BUSINESS, AND
ANY OTHER NEWS OR INFORMATION HELPFUL TO SMALL BUSINESSES; AND

(2)  INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
TO ANY SMALL BUSINESS THAT REQUESTS THE SERVICE. THE
CONSULTATION AND ASSISTANCE MAY INCLUDE PROCUREMENT OF INVESTMENT
CAPITAL, MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATION, PRODUCTION, PRODUCT
MARKETING, COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS, AND BUSINESS
EXPANSION, RENOVATION, AND DIVERSIFICATION.

266FF-3.

(A)  THE DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT SHALL COORDINATE WITH FEDERAL,
STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS TO EFFECTUATE
THE PURPOSES OF THIS SUBTITLE, AVOID A DUPLICATION OF SERVICES,
AND SOLICIT AND OBTAIN COOPERATION AND ANY AVAILABLE FUNDS OR
GRANTS TO AID SMALL BUSINESSES IN THIS STATE.

(B)  WHENEVER POSSIBLE, THE DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT SHALL
UTILIZE THE SERVICES OF EXISTING GOVERNMENTAL, EDUCATIONAL,
BUSINESS, INDUSTRIAL, AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR
PERSONNEL ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. ANY PERSON WHO, AT THE REQUEST
OF THE DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT, PROVIDES VOLUNTARY ASSISTANCE TO THE
MARYLAND OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE SHALL BE REIMBURSED
FOR TRAVEL COSTS AND OTHER REASONABLE AND NECESSARY EXPENSES.

(C)  THE DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT MAY PROCURE THE TEMPORARY OR
INTERMITTENT SERVICES OF ORGANIZATIONS, EXPERTS, AND CONSULTANTS
ON A CONTRACTUAL BASIS.

(D)  THE SECRETARY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR,
SHALL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY, RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM, SUBJECT TO §
2-1312 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, INCLUDING SUGGESTED
LEGISLATION.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the provisions
of this Act creating the Maryland Small Business Extension
Service Center Program, and any regulations adopted under this
Act, shall be void and of no effect after July 1, 1990.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1987.

Approved May 27, 1986.