Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA c. 436 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 436

MAINE ENTERPRISE COMMERCE CENTER OF AUGUSTA

§12901.__Maine Enterprise Commerce Center of Augusta established

The Maine Enterprise Commerce Center of Augusta, referred to in this chapter as "the center," is established within the University of Maine System.__The center must be located on the campus of the University of Maine at Augusta.__The mission of the center is to provide a statewide vehicle for interactive electronic instruction through an interactive television network, the Internet and other technology to:

1.__Access programs. Enable persons who lack access to educational programs and workforce training because of limited mobility or other reasons to have access to those programs and that training;

2.__Provide clearinghouse. Provide a clearinghouse for small business promotion and services; and

3.__Improve educational and economic opportunity. Promote a strategy for improving educational and economic opportunity for all people in the State.

§12902.__Duties

The center shall provide:

1.__Entrepreneurship assistance. Entrepreneurship assistance;

2. Small business education and training. Small business education and training;

3.__Links between private and public sectors. Links between the private and public sectors;

4.__Resource center. A resource center for economic issues of specific interest to central and northern Maine; and

5.__Educational programs. Educational programs, including continuing occupational and professional education.

§12903.__Administration; rules