Sec. 4.

The division shall:

(a) Provide technical, managerial, and counseling services and assistance to minority business enterprises.

(b) With the participation of other state departments and agencies as appropriate, develop comprehensive plans and specific program goals for a minority business enterprise program; establish regular performance monitoring and reporting systems to assure that the goals are being achieved; and evaluate the impact of federal and state support in achieving the objectives established by the division.

(c) Implement state policy in support of minority business enterprise development and coordinate the plans, programs, and operations of state government which affect or may contribute to the establishment, preservation, and strengthening of minority business enterprise.

(d) Coordinate, make application for, and administer federal funding grants from the United States office of minority business enterprise and other federal agencies where applicable.

(e) Promote the mobilization of activities and resources of state agencies and local governments, business and trade associations, universities, foundations, professional organizations, and volunteer and other groups toward the growth of minority business enterprises, and facilitate the coordination of the efforts of these groups with those of other state departments and agencies.

(f) Establish a center for the development, collection, and dissemination of information that will be helpful to persons and organizations throughout the state in undertaking or promoting the establishment and successful operation of minority business enterprise.

(g) Assist in experimental and demonstration projects, and defray all or part of the cost of such projects, designed to overcome the special problems of minority business enterprises.

(h) Conduct coordinated reviews of all proposed state training and technical assistance activities in direct support of the minority business enterprise program to insure consistency with program goals and to preclude duplication of effort of other state agencies with overlapping jurisdictions.

(i) Recommend appropriate legislative or executive actions to enhance minority business opportunities in this state.

(j) Assist minority businesses in obtaining governmental or commercial financing for business expansion, establishment of new businesses, or industrial development projects.

(k) Provide services to promote the organization of local development corporations for rural development and assist minority businessmen in agrarian endeavors.

(l) Assist the director of the department of commerce to organize a representative statewide minority business advisory council to service the division of minority business enterprise. The council shall consist of 7 members. The governor shall appoint the council with the advice and consent of the senate. Except as otherwise provided by law, members of the council shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties. The term of office of the council shall be at the pleasure of the governor.

(m) Assist minority businesses to promote reciprocal foreign trade and investment.

(n) Assist minority businessmen in business contract procurement from governmental and private commercial sources.

(o) Employ accounting and managerial counselors and establish a statewide toll free telephone line to give minority businessmen throughout Michigan access to these counselors.

(p) Provide a program effort to ensure participation of veterans in Michigan minority business enterprise activities.

History: 1975, Act 165, Imd. Eff. July 15, 1975 Compiler's Notes: For transfer of powers and duties of department of commerce for minority, women, and small business units, to the Michigan jobs commission, see E.R.O. No. 1994-10, compiled at MCL 408.48 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.