In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Disabled veteran–owned business” means a business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having a service–connected disability regardless of the disability rating. “Local business” means a business with: a principal place of business in Montgomery County or Prince George’s County; or at least 25% of the employees of the business domiciled in Montgomery County or Prince George’s County. “Local small business” means a business that qualifies as both: a local business; and a small business. “Maryland–based business” means a business that has its principal place of business in the State. “Program” means the business participation program established under § 20–302 of this subtitle. “Small business” means a business that meets criteria established by regulations adopted in accordance with § 14–203 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. “Veteran–owned business” means a business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are veterans as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101.

By resolution or adopting regulations, the Commission may establish a business participation program in accordance with this subtitle. The Office established in accordance with § 20–203 of this title shall administer the program.

The purpose of the program is to assist businesses eligible to participate in the program, with preference being given to local small businesses and local businesses, by: establishing a sheltered market or other appropriate preference; or facilitating the award of Commission construction contracts or procurement contracts for goods and services to eligible businesses.

The following businesses are eligible to participate in the program: a local business; a small business; a local small business; a Maryland–based business; a disabled veteran–owned business that is: a local business; a small business; a local small business; or a Maryland–based business; and a veteran–owned business that is: a local business; a small business; a local small business; or a Maryland–based business. The Commission shall adopt: any other eligibility criteria the Commission determines to be necessary or appropriate for the promotion of the businesses specified under subsection (a) of this section; and administrative procedures for conducting the program. An eligible business may qualify to participate in the program without regard to the race, ethnicity, or gender of the participants in the business. The Commission shall establish criteria for graduation from the program for an eligible business that the Commission determines no longer requires the assistance or benefits offered by the program. The Commission shall review the eligibility criteria and administrative procedures of the program each year to assess their effectiveness in furthering the purposes of the program. The Commission may accept as a registered vendor eligible to participate in the program any business that: is a registered vendor through a vendor registration process in another jurisdiction; or self–certifies as a vendor in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission. Nothing in this section may be construed to require a solicitation issued by the Commission to include every category of eligible business.