Bill > H294

This bill establishes a "student entrepreneurial development and economic investment fund" to support students in developing new businesses and to encourage economic growth within the commonwealth. This fund will be managed by an "investment board" composed of various officials including the secretary of economic development, the chairman of the board of higher education, representatives from technology development corporations, private investors, and student representatives from different levels of public higher education. The primary purpose of the fund is to provide grants for prototype development of student-led ideas and business plans that originate and are developed within the commonwealth, aiming to attract and retain talent and foster connections between the public education system and the business community. The board will oversee a grant program, hold hearings for students to present their business plans, and report its activities and financial status annually to state leadership.