Budget Amendment ID: FY2021-S4-386-R1

Redraft ECO 386

Establishing One-Stop Shop Web Portal and Interactive Database for Small Business Assistance

Ms. DiZoglio, Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge, Tarr and Tran moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting in section 2, in item 7004-2020, by adding the following words:

“; and provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be made available for the purpose of grants to nascent businesses negatively impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus or the commonwealth’s March 10, 2020 public health emergency declaration; provided further, that the corporation shall prioritize demographic equity in awarding said grants; provided further, that said grants shall be available for, but not limited to: (i) loss of revenue; (ii) unexpected expenses, such as expenses incurred to meet general business reopening guidelines and sector-specific 2019 novel coronavirus safety standards; or (iii) loss of contributions, grants, or other financial assistance as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus.”; and

by inserting after section 14 the following section:-

“SECTION 14A. Chapter 23A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 10A the following section:-

Section 10A½. (a) For the purposes of this section, “MassMade business” shall mean an entity that: (i) produces a consumer good, including, but not limited to, food and beverage products in the commonwealth; (ii) is authorized to do business in the commonwealth; (iii) possesses a certificate of good standing from the department of revenue; and (iv) is registered under the Supply and Buy Mass program.

(b) The Massachusetts office of business development shall establish a Supply and Buy Mass program. The program shall: (i) identify, connect and support businesses that produce consumer goods in the commonwealth; (ii) identify obstacles to conducting business in the commonwealth; and (iii) act as a resource to connect local suppliers and purchasers. The Massachusetts office of business development may consult with and seek input from interested stakeholders, including, but not limited to, businesses, regional economic development organizations, small business associations, chambers of commerce, the supplier diversity office, the Massachusetts marketing partnership and the office of consumer affairs and business regulation, to collect and provide business and product information related to MassMade businesses. All program information shall be readily accessible and free to the public.

(c) The Massachusetts office of business development shall, subject to appropriation: (i) establish requirements for a local supplier to register as MassMade business under the Supply and Buy Mass program; (ii) design and implement a Supply and Buy Mass program interactive web portal known as the MassMakers portal through which a local supplier can register as a MassMade business and create MassMade business profiles with industry-specific information; (iii) assemble a searchable database of MassMade businesses through the MassMakers portal by industry, raw materials produced, products or goods manufactured or other identifying characteristics; (iv) develop toolkits and training videos available through the MassMakers portal to guide MassMade businesses through the procurement processes of local institutional and commercial purchasers; (v) enable local institutional and commercial purchasers to issue requests for proposals through the MassMakers portal and MassMade businesses to respond to such requests through the portal; (vi) promote live networking events through the MassMakers portal to connect MassMade businesses with local institutional and commercial purchasers; (vii) assist in connecting local institutional and commercial purchasers that need raw materials, products or goods with other local institutional or commercial purchasers that are also in need of such raw materials, products or goods and assess whether any MassMade businesses are capable of producing or manufacturing the needed raw materials, products or goods with additional capital or financial retooling; (viii) identify obstacles to conducting business in the commonwealth and advance resources to address those obstacles to the extent possible; (ix) promote public-private partnerships; and (x) develop, evaluate and recommend policies, initiatives and incentives to prevent consumer flight from local suppliers to suppliers in other states.

(d) The Massachusetts office of business development may expend such funds as may be necessary for the Supply and Buy Mass program and as may be appropriated for the program. The Massachusetts office of business development may accept federal funds or private gifts and grants to assist in carrying out this section.

(e) The Massachusetts office of business development may promulgate regulations necessary for the administration of this section.”; and

by inserting after section 16 the following 2 sections:-

“SECTION 16A. Section 1 of chapter 30A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after clause (2) the following clause:-

(2A) “Microbusiness”, an enterprise that: (i) has its principal place of business in the commonwealth; (ii) is independently owned and operated; and if a: (A) manufacturing firm, has not more than 25 employees; or (B) service, construction or non-manufacturing firm, has not more than 25 employees and average annual gross receipts over the 3 previous years not exceeding $3,500,000, indexed for inflation.

SECTION 16B. Section 5A of said chapter 30A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 4 to 8, inclusive, the words “small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes. In reviewing a rule or regulation to minimize economic impact of the rule or regulation on small businesses, the agency shall file a small business” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- small businesses and microbusinesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes; provided, however rules and regulations shall be reviewed at least once every 8 years for microbusinesses. In reviewing a rule or regulation to minimize economic impact of the rule or regulation on small businesses and microbusinesses, the agency shall file a small business or microbusiness”; and

by inserting after section 40 the following 2 sections:-

“SECTION 40A. (a) There shall be a commission to conduct a review and analysis of current efforts to address disruptions to businesses in downtowns and commercial districts caused by the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and the effects of the governor’s March 10, 2020 declaration of a state of emergency. The commission shall consist of: 1 representative from the Massachusetts cultural council; 1 representative from the Massachusetts historical commission; 1 representative from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation; 1 representative from Boston Main Streets Foundation; the executive director each of the following regional planning agencies, or their designees, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, Cape Cod Commission, Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, Martha’s Vineyard Commission, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, Northern Middlesex Council of Governments, Old Colony Planning Council, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District; and 5 persons appointed by the governor, representing diverse geographic regions of the commonwealth who shall have demonstrated interests and experience in advancing the cultural, historical or economic vitality of downtowns and commercial districts of the commonwealth’s municipalities.

(b) The review and analysis shall include an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of establishing an office of Massachusetts main streets to: (i) protect, coordinate, promote and revitalize downtowns and commercial districts; (ii) advance economic and community development within the context of historic preservation; (iii) advocate for public-private partnerships to ensure continuing progress and enduring success by providing strategic, organizational, informational, marketing and technical assistance and resources cities and towns and to public and private entities organized for similar purposes or committed to similar mission outcomes; and (iv) encourage diversity and promote equity based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, disability and language.

(c) The commission shall file a report of its findings and recommendations with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on community development and small businesses, the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than July 1, 2021.

SECTION 14B. In order to address disruptions caused by the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and the effects of the governor’s March 10, 2020 declaration of a state of emergency, the governor shall issue a proclamation setting apart the first Saturday and Sunday following Thanksgiving Day in calendar year 2021 as Small Business Saturday and Sunday in recognition and to promote awareness of the vital role that local businesses play in the economy and general welfare of the commonwealth.”.