Section 7.271. Functions of the Center

The Center shall have the following functions:

(1) Serve as a business advocate and clearinghouse for business problems and issues affecting State government activities.

(2) Coordinate and expedite the necessary permits for the start-up, expansion or relocation of job creation opportunities.

(3) Serve as a central depository of information on State forms, applications, requirements and other material to be provided to businesses upon request.

(4) Coordinate with other State agencies to assure timely responses and actions by other State departments and agencies.

(5) Provide related small business counseling and assistance services in coordination with related State programs within and outside of the Department of Commerce.

(6) Serve as a referral service to direct businesses to technical assistance available from State agencies and to local and Federal agencies for assistance which may also be required.

(7) Develop and implement a master permit register form which businesses could use to determine the type of activities for which they need State forms, approvals or actions.

(8) Cooperate with political subdivisions of the State in development of similar centers for business assistance.

(9) Provide information on State government matters relating to job creation and economic development.

(10) Advise businesses on the current status of approvals and other actions among and between State agencies and act to encourage timely State government action.

(11) Maintain inventories of State forms, applications, and other information that can be supplied in a timely fashion to businesses requesting the information.

(12) Review forms, applications, requirements and materials in order to recommend elimination of any deemed to be obsolete or otherwise useless.