1. The program shall operate according to a plan developed by the department of economic development and the department of natural resources with the assistance of organizations representing merchants and governments of cities, historic preservation interests, financial institutions and economic development groups. The plan required by this section shall describe the objectives of the program, how the program will be coordinated with existing federal, state, local and private sector small business development and historic preservation efforts, and methods of selecting and providing assistance to participating cities.

2. The department shall select ten pilot cities in which to initiate the program.