New Social Equity in Cannabis program designed to help communities historically impacted by poverty, enforcement of cannabis prohibitions



Having trouble viewing this email? View it online [ [link removed] ]

Commerce Logo


?

News Release



oct. 18, 2022

Commerce seeking mentors to help prospective cannabis business owners succeed

*"New Social Equity in Cannabis Technical Assistance Mentorship Program designed to help communities historically impacted by high poverty and enforcement of cannabis prohibitions"*

OLYMPIA, WA ? In 2020, the Washington State Legislature determined [ [link removed] ] that additional efforts are necessary to reduce barriers to entry to the cannabis industry for individuals and communities most adversely impacted by the enforcement of cannabis-related laws. As a result, the Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force was formed, allowing approximately 41 additional cannabis retail licenses to be issued for social equity purposes. Additionally, the Washington Department of Commerce partnered with the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) and Make Green Go! [ [link removed] ] to create the Social Equity in Cannabis Technical Assistance Program [ [link removed] ], providing support for those interested in creating new cannabis ventures and applying for the Social Equity licenses.

The program consists of an online Learning System Module [ [link removed] ] to help educate potential business owners on business planning and development, and group and one-on-one mentoring for applicants navigating the complexities of licensing a retail cannabis business. The easy-to-follow online modules are self-paced and include 17 free videos to help advance an entrepreneur?s understanding of business planning, market research, strategies, accounting, business finance and more. The online program also helps eligible applicants prepare for the LCB Social Equity license application process. ?

*Mentors wanted*

Commerce is seeking proposals to create a roster of mentors and a facilitator to launch the mentorship element the program. Mentors will initially provide support services to any early-stage entrepreneurs interested in starting cannabis business enterprises, particularly those who have been historically impacted by high poverty and enforcement of cannabis prohibitions. Later, assistance will target specialized guidance and support to those seeking Social Equity licenses, providing tools and expertise where necessary.

?The Technical Assistance Mentorship Program will help bolster applicants' preparations for the Liquor and Cannabis Board's social equity licensing process and help ensure they are positioned for success,? said Alison Beason, Commerce?s Social Equity Task Force Representative. ?The program will provide applicants with industry-specific business education, direct mentorship, and assistance developing business and finance plans while offering valuable insight and guidance navigating the myriad of complexities in establishing a retail cannabis business.?

Mentors may be awarded up to $40,000 depending on their proposed plan and budget, with a six-month contract from January 2023 through June 2023. The selected facilitator may be awarded up to $150,000 for the creation of three events in January, March and June 2023 to support program participants and additional in-person or online events.

*View and download the RFP [ [link removed] ]* for complete details. Proposals are due to Commerce Nov. 28, 2022.

*RFP applicant workshop ? Nov. 2 *A virtual pre-proposal Zoom meeting for prospective mentor and facilitator applicants to the Social Equity in Cannabis Technical Assistance Mentorship Program is scheduled for Nov. 2 at 11 AM.

Register for the Zoom meeting [ [link removed] ]. For questions about the RFP or workshop, contact Elijah Moon, [email protected], (206) 256-6113.

###

Media Center [ [link removed] ]

Media Contact

Penny Thomas <[email protected]>

Commerce Communications, (206) 256-6106 | Mobile/text: (360) 704-9489






Stay connected

subscribe [ [link removed] ]twitter [ [link removed] ]facebook [ [link removed] ]


About Commerce

Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department?s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit [link removed]. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com [ [link removed] ].

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by Washington Department of Commerce [ [link removed] ].

Subscribe [ [link removed] ] | Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ] | Contact us [ [link removed] ]





This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington State Department of Commerce ? 1011 Plum Street SE, P.O. Box 42525 ? Olympia, WA 98504-2525 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]