The duties and functions of the office shall include all of the following:

(1) Serve as the principal advocate in the state on behalf of small businesses, including, but not limited to, advisory participation in the consideration of all legislation and administrative regulations which affect small businesses.

(2) Establish a central reference program and general counseling service to assist small businesses.

(3) Represent the views and interests of small businesses before other state agencies whose policies and activities may affect small businesses.

(4) Enlist the cooperation and assistance of public and private agencies, businesses, and other organizations in disseminating information about the programs and services provided by state government which are of benefit to small businesses, and information on how small businesses can participate in, or make use of, those programs and services.

(5) Evaluate the efforts of state agencies, businesses, and industry to assist minority small business enterprises, and make such recommendations as may be appropriate to assist the development and strengthening of minority and other small business enterprises.

(6) Consult with experts and authorities in the fields of small business investment, venture capital investment, and commercial banking and other comparable financial institutions involved in the financing of business, and with individuals with regulatory, legal, economic, or financial expertise, including members of the academic community, and individuals who generally represent the public interest.

(7) Determine the desirability of developing a set of rational, objective criteria to be used to define small business, and to develop such criteria, if appropriate.

(8) To provide a center of information where a person interested in establishing a commercial facility or engaging in a commercial activity may be informed of any registration, license, or other approval of a state regulatory agency that is required for that facility or activity or of the existence of standards, criteria, or requirements which the laws of this state require that facility or activity to meet.