What is the State of California’s Equity Grant Program?

In April 2020, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), in partnership with the Bureau of Cannabis Control, announced $30 million in grant funding through the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions. The program focuses on the inclusion and support of individuals in California’s legal cannabis marketplace who are from communities negatively or disproportionately impacted by cannabis criminalization. This is done through small business support services like technical assistance to individuals, reduced licensing fees or waived fees, assistance in recruitment, training, and retention of a qualified and diverse workforce, and business resilience such as emergency preparedness. To date, jurisdictions seeking to create this inclusive regulatory framework represent roughly a quarter of the state’s population.

“These Cannabis Equity Grants reflect California’s desire to lead our legalization efforts with equity and inclusivity,” said Nicole Elliott, Governor Newsom’s Senior Advisor on Cannabis. “We applaud these jurisdictions for not only embracing the challenge of creating pathways to participate in a legitimate cannabis marketplace, but for doing so in a thoughtful way that seeks to uplift all communities. It is our hope that these efforts lead to the creation of a truly diverse industry and that these programs serve as a blueprint for others who share in our commitment to address systemic discrimination and create real prosperity for all.”

Each jurisdiction in California, is responsible for their own equity programs. To see if you qualify, please review the list of Jurisdictions participating in the Cannabis Equity Grants Program @  Governor’s Program For Business Development Services

What is an Equity Applicant?

How do I become Equity Qualified?

Can I use my Equity Grant for education at Oaksterdam University?