Section 620.1003 - Centers, duties and powersThe Missouri small business development centers in cooperation with appropriate department programs shall provide managerial and technical assistance to the small businesses. The centers shall also:
(1) Furnish one-to-one business counseling, management training, and other related services, with special emphasis on the development of management training programs using the resources of the business community, including the development of management training opportunities in existing business, and with emphasis in all cases of sufficient scope and duration to develop entrepreneurial and managerial self-sufficiency on the part of the individuals served;(2) Assist in technology transfer, research and coupling from existing sources to small businesses, and provide technological assistance to small businesses;(3) Maintain current information concerning federal, state and local regulations that affect small businesses and counsel small businesses on methods of compliance;(4) Maintain a working relationship and open communications with the governor, the general assembly, and the department to address the various needs of the small business community, and develop working relationships with federal departments and agencies, state departments and agencies, the financial and investment communities, legal associations, local and regional private consultants, and local and regional small business groups and associations, or any other entity to the extent possible in order to help address the various needs of the small business community;(5) Provide and maintain a comprehensive library that contains current information and statistical data needed by small businesses;(6) Build and maintain a network which allows small businesses to identify experts who can further assist their business with highly technical or specialized needs;(7) Provide services, to the extent possible, at locations which are easily accessible to the individuals and small businesses of this state. Basic counseling services shall be provided free of charge, and other services may be provided on a cost-reimbursement basis;(8) Continue to upgrade and modify their* services, as needed, in order to meet the changing and evolving needs of the small business community;(9) Be authorized to enter into agreements with the department to provide services under the provisions of sections 620.500 to 620.506; and(10) Be authorized to provide any service authorized under the federal Small Business Development Centers Act.L. 1992 S.B. 661 & 620 § 3