a. That small businesses play a major role in the economy of this State; and

b. That small businesses, and businesses owned by minorities and women in particular, are often in need of financial and technical assistance which may be unavailable to them through traditional sources; and

c. That it is the public policy of this State to provide a source of technical assistance and financial assistance in order to encourage the establishment and the growth of small businesses and businesses owned by minorities and women; and

d. That, in the interest of efficiency, the services now provided by the State to these businesses should be combined into a single division within the Department of Commerce and Economic Development; and

e. That it is the intention of this Legislature that the division, in concert with the New Jersey Development Authority for Small Businesses, Minorities and Women’s Enterprises created pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 1985, c. 386 (C. 34:1B-47 et seq.), provide a full range of financial and technical assistance to small businesses and businesses owned by minorities and women in order to ensure their success and their growth.

L. 1987, c. 55, s. 1.