The commissioner shall establish within the department a business assistance center. The center shall consist of (1) a Bureau of Small Business which shall have as its sole function the provision of assistance to small businesses in the state and (2) a bureau of licenses to assist all businesses in obtaining state licenses and permits. This center shall be accorded at least equal status with the other major operating units within the department. A small business advocate office is established in the Business Assistance Center to provide one-stop access for small businesses in need of information or assistance in obtaining or renewing licenses, meeting state regulatory requirements, or resolving disputes with state agencies.