1.  Negotiate and approve contract.  Negotiate, approve and enforce the contract with the administrative unit by which state funds are provided by the administrative unit to the small business development centers throughout the State. Approval of the contract requires the approval of at least 4 members of the commission;  

2.  Evaluate small business programs.  Evaluate and make recommendations to coordinate small business and entrepreneurial programs statewide, including those administered or overseen by the department;  

3.  Issue reports and recommendations.  Issue reports and recommendations to the commissioner, the Governor and the Legislature in regard to programs that support or promote small business assistance and entrepreneurship. Beginning January 15, 2009, the commission shall provide an annual report, by January 15th of each year, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over business, research and economic development matters that includes the commission's proposed quarterly meeting schedule for the year, as well as a summary of the Small Business Development Center Program's activities in the State that focuses on its collaborative efforts with other economic development programs in the State; and  

4.  Hire professional staff.  Hire professional staff who are not subject to the Civil Service Law and who serve at the pleasure of the commission.