Massachusetts Gaming Commission awards grants to enhance supplier diversity

This decision was made as part of the Diversity Goal and Business Technical Assistance Grant Program. MGC recently developed and approved this grant program to optimize the outcomes for the diversity goals outlined in Chapter 23K related to the diversity hiring and contracting goals of the casino developers.

The Expanded Gaming Law specifically requires that casino developers set their own diversity goals for the utilization of Minority, Woman and Veteran owned businesses as part of the design, construction and operations of the casino with a similar focus on hiring of diverse workforce during construction and operations of the casino. 

MGC recently requested grant applications to consider funding non-profits, public or quasi-public organizations through this grant program that serves local businesses that are owned and controlled by economically and socially disadvantaged individuals including minority individuals, women and veterans; and serve businesses that have the potential of doing business with a casino in the Commonwealth.

The goals of this grant program include:

• -- Helping diverse firms succeed in casino markets for goods and services, and as subcontractors to prime contractors during construction.
• -- Supporting technical assistance like joint ventures and collaboration for smaller businesses and contractors
• -- Provide specialized assistance to important underserved markets or regions near a casino licensee
• -- Provide high-quality assistance, such as one-on-one consulting, and training resources to support the needs of existing businesses including strategic and operational planning, financial analysis, opportunity development and capture, contract management, and compliance to eligible small businesses

MGC identified six recipients through a competitive process open to proven or promising programs, partnerships or initiatives led by nonprofit, public or quasi-public entities. The grants must be used or designated this fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 with the potential of refunding next fiscal year based on budget availability and performance.