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HD 4013

An Act including worker-owned businesses in economic development programs

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake Oliveira and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill expands state economic development programs to include worker-owned businesses with dedicated funding, grants, and technical assistance support.

Senate concurred
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Bill Summary · HD 4013

Legislative bill overview

HD 4013 expands Massachusetts economic development programs to explicitly include and support worker-owned businesses (co-ops and employee-owned enterprises). The bill ensures these business models can access state funding, grants, tax incentives, and technical assistance programs previously available primarily to traditional corporate structures. It directs state agencies to develop specific support mechanisms and tracking for worker-owned business development.

Why is this important

Worker-owned businesses represent a different ownership and profit-sharing model that can affect job quality, wealth distribution, and community economic resilience. Including them in state economic development programs acknowledges this model as a legitimate development strategy and could increase their formation and competitiveness. This reflects growing national interest in alternative business structures as tools for addressing inequality and economic stability.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation concerns: Critics may argue state economic development funds are limited and shouldn't be divided among alternative business models when traditional businesses drive job creation and tax revenue
  • Implementation complexity: Defining eligibility, measuring success, and administering programs for worker-owned businesses requires new bureaucratic processes and expertise agencies may lack
  • Market viability questions: Debate exists over whether worker-owned businesses need special support to succeed or whether market competition should determine their prevalence regardless of ownership structure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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