LAC 19:VIII.101. Statement of Policy

A. In accordance with the provisions of R.S. 39:2006 and R.S. 51:931, the Department of Economic Development's Small Entrepreneurship (Hudson Initiative) Certification Program [SE (HI) Certification Program] through its designee or its staff administers these regulations which are intended to prescribe the procedures for qualifying and certifying a business as a "small entrepreneurship" to facilitate access to state procurement and public contracts and encourage business opportunities for small entrepreneurships. B. Certifications that a business is a "small entrepreneurship" are not to be construed as an entitlement for any business locating or located in Louisiana either to such a certification, to any public contract, or to any proceeds from any state contract; and the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development, the director, or his or their designee, the SE (HI) Certification Program, or its designee or staff, shall have the discretion to determine whether or not each particular applicant or application meets the criteria for the certification as provided herein; and in all such circumstances, the exercise of that discretion shall be deemed to be a final determination of such certification status. C. In no way whatsoever shall the sex, race, birth, age, physical condition, religious beliefs, political ideas, or affiliations of a business' owners or officers be considered as a factor in determining whether a business receives certified status.