The first objective is to introduce participants to the new Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, the merged agency that takes the place of the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA) and the Affirmative Market Program (AMP). The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office will provide one-stop shopping to minority and women businesses that are seeking certification as a "minority business enterprise (MBE)", a "women business enterprise (WBE)" and/or as a "disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE)," access to technical assistance and business development services and workshops and other information on how to compete for state procurement opportunities.
In addition to introducing the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, the summit will have panel discussions focused on: accessing federal, state and quasi-public contracting opportunities, accessing technical assistance, business development and advocacy organizations, accessing capital, surety and guaranty products, and accessing small business services. In sum, the day will be dedicated to providing access to information to minority and women businesses.
The summit concluded with a town hall meeting, whose purpose was to engage a more focused dialogue that would allow attendees to ask questions of key government officials and would facilitate the development of ideas to further refine state policy as it relates to ensuring access and opportunity for minority and women businesses.