Founder’s Letter: Fall Update – published via newsletter Sep. 27, 2024.
Hi friends,
As we begin the final quarter of the year, I want to take a moment to reconnect and update you on some of the positive strides BIPOCann has made this year.

This summer marked our fourth anniversary of business, and we continue to push forward with our core mission of working to increase visibility, representation, and equitable access to economic opportunities in the cannabis industry.
What We’ve Been Up To:
- Mentorship program expansion: Our enhanced 15-week program connected social equity entrepreneurs with experienced industry leaders, offered a curriculum of digital and in-person business development modules, and provided opportunities for participants to network and apply their insights.
Team member, Nett Jackson, created this 4-minute video from our Vendor Diversity showcase — an event that celebrated social equity successes and gave participants a platform to promote their emerging brands. Check it out!
- Advising national regulators: We contributed to shaping the national conversation on cannabis at the CANNRA (Cannabis Regulators Association) External Stakeholders Meeting by sharing insights and best practices with regulators, specifically around the lifecycle of social equity businesses and what they need to thrive.
- New partnerships: In addition to our existing relationships, we’ve developed new partnerships focused on breaking down financial barriers and connecting cannabis entrepreneurs to investors.
We’re also excited to contribute to a new program through a partnership with Denver’s Economic Development Office and iComply, that focuses on licensing, building code, and construction technical assistance for social equity cannabis businesses in Denver.
- Advocacy: We’ve been meeting with state legislators and officials in Colorado to advocate for ongoing funding and support of social equity programs. Our goal is to ensure that these efforts remain sustainable and effective beyond 2024.
- Enhanced services: We’ve also refined our technology solutions and advisory services to improve responsiveness and expand our capacity to meet the growing needs of our members.

Looking Ahead
As we close out the year, BIPOCann will be connected to some key events that we hope you can attend. Visit our events page for registration details and partner codes to access discounted tickets (where applicable):
- Oct. 7: Navigating Social Equity: Policy & Legal Considerations (webinar)
- Oct. 9-10 Benzinga’s Cannabis Capital Conference (Chicago)
- Oct. 16-17: The Tipping Point (Austin)
- Oct. 22: Green Equity: A Cannabis Leadership Forum (Minneapolis)
- Dec. 3-6: MJBizCon (Las Vegas)
Need Help Improving Your Business?
If you’re looking for business development resources, mentorship, or community, give our membership network a chance to help you. It includes access to BIPOCann Online, our digital subscription-based community and resource center for students (new), professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Thank you for your continued support.
Best regards,
Ernest Toney
Founder, BIPOCann