A new state small-business ombudsman role has been established following an idea proposed during an AIM economic inclusion roundtable. The ombudsman will assist small businesses—particularly diverse ones—in navigating complex state and federal laws, accessing resources, and connecting with financial networks.

By Sarah Mills
Vice President, Government Affairs

An idea that emerged from an AIM roundtable discussion on economic inclusion has now become law with the creation of a state small-business ombudsman.

The recently passed Fiscal Year 2026 budget signed by Governor Maura Healey creates the ombudsman’s role to help small businesses navigate complex federal and state laws, especially tariffs and other federal policies.  The ombudsman will pay particular attention to the needs of small diverse businesses that need access to state resources and financial networks.

AIM hosted four regional Economic Inclusion Roundtable Discussions earlier this year with member companies and local policymakers to understand the barriers that prevent diverse businesses from accessing opportunities. The idea for the ombudsman grew out of the Boston roundtable discussion with Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, and other Boston area, legislators including Reps. John Moran, Jay Livingstone, and Christopher Worrell.

“This is what we mean when we say that AIM provides companies with a meaningful voice to shape the Massachusetts economy. Our members in this case discussed an important issue with key lawmakers and they together formulated a solution that will improve the prospects of small companies throughout the commonwealth,” said Brooke Thomson, President & CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

“We are grateful to Chair Michlewitz, as well as Rep. Carole Fiola, House Chair of the Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee, who filed the language as an amendment, for making this a reality.”

The ombudsman’s office will exist within the Executive Office of Economic Development and will coordinate its efforts with other state agencies such as the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, Massachusetts Business Front Door, and the Office of Supplier Diversity. The agency will serve as the first point of contact for small businesses seeking to start or grow their operations, helping to reduce confusion and alleviate the burden of navigating where to find relevant information and resources.

The responsibilities of the ombudsman include:

• Helping companies to navigate state and local licensing, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
• Helping companies to navigate the public procurement process.
• Facilitating access to financial assistance programs, including tax incentives.
• Providing timely materials on developments on both the state and federal level that would impact small businesses.
• Facilitating connections between small-business owners and technical assistance providers and business-development resources.
• Supporting efforts to identify workforce development and training opportunities.
• Ensuring that businesses understand and comply with regulations.
• Creating and disseminating written materials pertinent to small and diverse supplies that would help entrepreneurs start a business, grow a business, maintain a business, and ensure state and local compliance.

“This is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to break down barriers for small and diverse businesses. We remain committed to building on what we’ve learned and working collaboratively with policymakers to continue addressing these challenges,” Thomson said.