WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor                   Ch. 311

[(v)] (IV) 1 representative of the Federal
Small Business Administration; and

[(vi)] (V) 1 representative from a local
chamber of commerce in each region, who is employed by or owns a
small business.

(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.

[12-203.] 5-203.

(a)  The 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 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
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 Department may procure the temporary or
intermittent services of organizations, experts, and consultants
on a contractual basis.

(d)  The Secretary 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.

Subtitle 3. Urban Enterprise Zones

[12-301.] 5-301.

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