Not later than October 1, 2017, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall establish and operate a state-wide small business hotline to provide prospective and existing small business owners with individualized information and guidance regarding business formation and development, networking resources and technical and financial assistance from the state and quasi-public agencies. The commissioner shall, within available appropriations, operate and staff such hotline during normal business hours. The commissioner may partner with a nonprofit organization to carry out the provisions of this section.