VT H0451

Creates the Vermont Department of Cultural Empowerment and Economic Advancement within the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, establishing four regional Community Empowerment Centers to provide cultural programming, business support, career development, and wealth management services for BIPOC communities

Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Fund in fiscal year 2026 to fund grants administered by the new department for BIPOC-led organizations and programs

Adds a fifth principle to Vermont's economic development framework requiring the State to correct historical economic exploitation and exclusion from opportunity for American descendants of slavery and the broader BIPOC community

Establishes BIPOC Business Development and Procurement Programs requiring the Department of Economic Development and Secretary of Administration to increase BIPOC business start-ups, provide capital access and technical assistance, and set minimum percentages for State contracts awarded to BIPOC-owned businesses

Mandates the Department of Labor design five continuing education and apprenticeship programs for BIPOC community members, and requires State agencies to implement career advancement policies for BIPOC employees