§ 57 — Statement of policy promoting minority, women and veterans businesses

Section 57. It is the policy of the commonwealth to promote and facilitate the fullest possible participation by all citizens in the affairs of the commonwealth and to foster an inclusive marketplace that offers competitive opportunity for businesses as diverse as the people of the commonwealth. Minority, women, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, disability and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender business enterprises frequently face systemic obstacles to achieving viable economic status. Various public and private programs have been initiated to assist these business enterprises, where applicable, to achieve economic viability, though many businesses have not been adequately informed of these programs because of inadequate coordination and communication efforts, with the result that many services available are never adequately delivered to those who need them. The state government has a special responsibility to see that all available services and programs are put to the best use. These steps are necessary to guarantee the fullest participation by all citizens of the commonwealth in the economy of the state and to guarantee the fullest benefits to citizens of programs and services available for assistance.