The following guidance documents provide a comprehensive overview of the Commission’s requirements for Diversity Plans and Positive Impact Plans. They outline the types of goals, programs, and measurements that licensees may implement to ensure compliance.

Guidance on Diversity Plans

The Diversity Plan is intended to promote equity in the cannabis industry by increasing participation among historically underrepresented groups, particularly Black,
African American, Hispanic, and Latinx communities, as well asIndigenous people, women, Veterans, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people, in the operation of the licensee.
Guidance on Diversity Plans.

Guidance on Positive Impact Plans

The Positive Impact Plan outlines how licensees intend to invest in individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by previous cannabis prohibition, focusing specifically on the six priority populations identified by the Commission.

• Past or present residents of the geographic “Areas of Disproportionate Impact (ADIs)
• Certified Economic Empowerment recipients
• Social Equity Program participants
• Social Equity Businesses
• Massachusetts residents who have past drug convictions
• Massachusetts residents with parents or spouses who have drug convictions

Vendor Diversity Organizations and Workforce Resources

To support licensees in developing, implementing, and refining their Diversity Plans, the Commission provides access to a range of informational tools, including demographic data, educational materials, and links to external organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in business.

Licensees are encouraged to review the Commission’s Guidance on Diversity Plans for detailed expectations and strategies. To better understand the current state of diversity within the regulated cannabis industry, the Commission also publishes data through its Open Data Platform.

The organizations listed below either certify, support, or maintain directories of diverse businesses, including those owned by women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Many also offer vendor matchmaking, training, access to capital, and other resources designed to help strengthen and scale diverse enterprises.

Please note: The Commission is not affiliated with and does not endorse any of the organizations listed below. These resources are provided for informational purposes only.

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Government and State-affiliated Programs

Cannabis Control Commission Social Equity Program and Economic Empowerment Program

Cannabis Control Commission-designed Areas of Disproportionate Impact

Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO)

• Certifies Minority-owned (MBE), Women-owned (WBE), Veteran-owned (VBE), Disability-owned (PBE), and LGBTQ-owned (LGBTBE) businesses
• Maintains a searchable vendor directory and provides guidance on participating in state procurement

Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce

• State affiliate of the NGLCC
• Supports LGBTQ business owners with certification assistance, networking, and procurement opportunities

Disability:IN

• Certifies Disability-owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs), including Service-disabled Veteran DOBEs
• Offers supplier inclusion programs, mentorship, and business resources

National Veteran-owned Business Association (NaVOBA)

• Certifies Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran DOBEs
• Promotes supplier diversity and contracting opportunities

Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC)

• Certifies Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American businesses
• Connects MBEs to corporate supply chains

Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE)

• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) affiliate supporting women entrepreneurs through certification, training, and business development

Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA)

• Advocates for and supports Black-owned businesses with access to public/private contracting, funding, and community engagement

Hispanic American Institute (HAI)

• Supports Hispanic entrepreneurs by connecting them with capital sources, training programs, and nonprofit partnerships

Regional and Community-based Organizations

Multicultural BRIDGE

• Provides cultural competency training, advocacy, and support services for diverse businesses across Berkshire County and beyond

Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE)

• Statewide network of local chambers of commerce
• Many local chambers maintain diverse business directories and offer region-specific resources and events

Directories and Certification Portals

Small Business Resource Toolkit – Diverse Business Certifications

• Centralized resource for third-party and government certifications, including MBE, WBE, VBE, PBE/DOBE, and LGBTBE
• Offers step-by-step guidance for small business owners

Summary by Certification/Support Type

Focus Area	Supporting Organizations
LGBTQ-owned	NGLCC, MA LGBT Chamber
Disability-owned	Disability:IN
Veteran-owned	NaVOBA, SDO
Women-owned	CWE, SDO, MACCE (via local chambers)
Minority-owned	GNEMSDC, BECMA, HAI, SDO
Multicultural/Regional	Multicultural BRIDGE, MACCE
Certification Gateway	Small Business Resource Toolkit

Economic Data and Workforce Development Resources

Department of Unemployment Assistance – Office of Labor Market Information (LMI)

• Offers regional employment statistics, wage trends, unemployment data, and occupational projections
• Supports workforce planning and strategic business decisions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Agency Resources

These state agencies provide additional workforce and economic empowerment services. They may be useful when developing inclusive employment strategies and Diversity Plans.

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)

• Provides employment access, rehabilitation services, and independent living support for individuals who are legally blind

Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD)

• Offers technical assistance, training, and policy guidance on disability-related civil rights and accessibility

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

• Offers vocational rehabilitation, disability determination, and community living support for individuals with disabilities

Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) – State Treasurer’s Office

• Develops financial education and economic mobility programs with a focus on women, veterans, and underserved populations