BIPOCann’s Business Updates: originally published via newsletter on Nov 4, 2024.

🌱 Event Recap: The Tipping Point

In October, we traveled to Austin, TX, for the Tipping Point, where industry leaders, startup founders, and investors came together to network and discuss the future of cannabis. Panel conversations focused on securing capital, regulatory challenges, and uncovering new opportunities in Texas and the national marketplace.

Several BIPOCann members attended the event, including social equity mentorship accelerator graduate, Tiana Woodruff, who exhibited and delivered an investor pitch on stage to promote Queen Mary, her multi-state brand.

🛠️ Applications for Denver’s Social Equity Technical Assistance Program
Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is continuing the Denver Cannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance Program to address the unique challenges faced by cannabis businesses. This program, managed by iComply Cannabis, focuses on assisting businesses in establishing a physical location by providing long-term support through essential resources, expert knowledge, and tailored assistance. Applications open November 6 and close December 31.

🎤 Speaking Engagement: MJBizCon
We’re excited to have a speaking presence this year at MJBizCon! BIPOCann’s founder, Ernest Toney, will be speaking on Wednesday, December 4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the panel titled, Building a Thriving Cannabis Community.

BIPOCann will also have presence at the Achieving Equity in Cannabis event as a partner organization to MJBizCon’s social equity scholarship program.

We hope to see you in Vegas in 30 days! If you still need to purchase a ticket, use our partner promo code for an additional 10% off: MIPMBIPOC10

📚 Business Development Tips
Check out these new posts with tips for growing and funding your cannabis business:

• • What a Cannabis Business Needs to Acquire Funding | Read here
  • How to Pitch Your Cannabis Business | Read here

🚀 Accelerate Your Business
Ready to enhance your business while making a positive impact in the cannabis industry? Give membership a try, and we’ll work with you to achieve your goals. I’m ready to join

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.