As used in this act:
"Department" means the Department of State.
"Financial assistance program" or "program" means any program offered by a State agency to a small business that allows a small business to be deemed eligible to receive a grant or loan of monies pursuant to State law.
"Small business" or "business" means a business entity that employs not more than 50 full-time employees or the equivalent thereof and qualifies as a small business concern within the meaning of the federal "Small Business Act," Pub.L. 85-536(15 U.S.C. s. 631 et seq.).
"State agency" means any of the principal departments in the Executive Branch of State Government, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission, or other instrumentality within or created by such principal department, and any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality, or agency.
N.J.S. § 52:14B-21.1