Press Release  State Auditor releases audit of Massachusetts Office of Business Development

Boston — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s Office released an audit of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), which reviewed whether MOBD had successfully fulfilled its stated goals of engaging underrepresented populations from November 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022.

MOBD’s Fiscal Year 2020 Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) Report included the goal that it would “encourage minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and disabled-owned businesses to seek tax credits in both EDIP and Vacant Storefront Program.” Additionally, MOBD stated that it would seek to “keep track of metrics and report to agency diversity officer”.

Upon review, no such efforts or initiatives were documented to have been taken by MOBD in pursuit of these goals.

“To meet its stated goals, the Office of Business Development should track diversity related metrics and work with the Supplier Diversity Office to help ensure it better engages with minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and disabled-owned businesses,” said State Auditor Diana DiZoglio. “If we are serious about expanding opportunities for underrepresented populations, we must do better. I strongly urge the Office of Business Development to adopt our recommendations.”

In addition to reviewing the stated goals around diversity and access, the audit reviewed cybersecurity training policy within the MOBD. The audit showed that the MOBD did not ensure all employees received cybersecurity training.

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