The Compliance Advisory Panel oversees the small business assistance program and the ombudsman, making recommendations for improvements and determining the overall effectiveness of the SBTAP. The panel consists of seven members: four small business owners or representatives selected by the legislature; two members of the general public selected by the Governor; and one member selected by the Commissioner of DES.

The Compliance Advisory Panel, which is composed primarily of business owners, does the following:

• Ensures the services of the SBTAP are clear, concise and applicable to business owners and operators.
• Prepares annual reports on the effectiveness of the SBTAP.
• Provides advisory services to DES and others in the development of laws and regulations affecting small businesses.