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Bill

SD 459

An Act to invest in Massachusetts citizens

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick O'Connor

Launches a pilot grant program through EOHED to fund 10 Massachusetts resident-owned startups with $500k total; applications by 12/1/2025; awards by 7/1/2026; report by 7/1/2027.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 459

Summary: An Act to Invest in Massachusetts Citizens (SD 459)

What this bill does (purpose and scope)

  • Establishes a pilot grant program administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) to support startup companies owned by Massachusetts residents and business owners.
  • The program aims to “invest in Massachusetts citizens” by fostering locally owned startups that address marketplace needs.
  • The bill defines a “startup company” as a newly emerged business venture seeking to develop a viable business model.

Key provisions and requirements

  • Program creation: A pilot program for startup grants shall be instituted by the Commonwealth through EOHED.
  • Grant structure: Ten grants, totaling $500,000, will be awarded to eligible startup companies.
  • Eligibility and guidelines: EOHED shall promulgate the parameters of eligibility and application guidelines for the grant program.
  • Application timeline:
    • Applications must be open no later than December 1, 2025.
    • Funding must be awarded to the selected winners no later than July 1, 2026.
  • Reporting: EOHED must submit a report to the Clerks of the House and Senate detailing the program’s progress and the economic consequences of the grants on recipient startups no later than July 1, 2027.

Who is affected

  • Massachusetts residents who own or operate startup companies (as defined by the bill) are eligible to apply for the grants.
  • The program is targeted to locally owned ventures seeking to meet marketplace needs within Massachusetts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Bill status: House concurred (as part of the legislative action).
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: House concurred on February 27, 2025; subsequently referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
  • Related history: Similar matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (Senate No. 237).

Additional context

  • The bill is presented as a pilot (limited scope and duration) with a defined funding amount and concrete milestones, allowing assessment of the program’s impact on startup growth and local economic activity.
  • No additional future funding or long-term program beyond the specified reporting date is specified in the text.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to the prior related bill (Senate No. 237 of 2023-2024) or outline potential fiscal and administrative considerations for implementing the pilot.

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

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