MA Senate creates program to help grow and promote local businesses

A bill seeking to improve and help grow the local economy of Massachusetts by aiding entrepreneurship was passed by the Senate recently. MassMade, a program product of bipartisan support in the Senate, will identify and promote business entities that are headquartered and produce consumer products in Massachusetts, helping to connect them with potential customers. The bill was filed by Senator Eileen M. Donoghue (D-Lowell) and received unanimous support.

Small businesses make up 85% of all Massachusetts companies and employ over a quarter of the state’s workforce. The Massachusetts Office of Business Development will operate MassMade, and collect and provide information about qualified Massachusetts businesses and their products in a readily accessible format. The public can access all MassMade information for free.

“Improving the economic strength of our Commonwealth begins with providing local businesses with the necessary support and opportunities to market their products. This legislation will not only improve the outcomes for businesses, but also for their employees and communities by increasing awareness of local products and generating opportunities for support of state enterprises.”

—Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury).

Senator Michael Moore sponsored an amendment of the bill during the Senate debate that would extend the impact of the MassMade program beyond consumer goods. This amendment, later adopted, will benefit contractors across Massachusetts that also face tough competition from businesses in other states or internationally.