Cannabis Entrepreneurship Program
T.H.C. aims to implement a top-tier program and is prepared to work hard, problem-solve as challenges arise and document this process in conjunction with the City of Grand Rapids.
This program puts tools into the hands of those who can be forces for change, while using our resources to create equal opportunity in our community and industry.
Putting Education Into The Hands of The People
We believe that everyone has the right to opportunities and knowledge in the cannabis industry, which is why we use our resources to elevate and empower members of our community.
The Cannabis Entrepreneurship Program gives community members a nine-month, comprehensive overview of the cannabis industry. Participants benefit from:
- Professional training
- Ongoing technical assistance
- Workspace
- Materials necessary to be a successful cannabis business operator or employee
Graduates of our program have the opportunity to make changes not only for themselves, but for their community and the cannabis industry as well.
Participant and Program Success
T.H.C. is committed to the success of our CEP participants and determined to push ourselves to never settle for the status quo. We are constantly looking for ways to pivot and improve, this way you and future graduates get the most benefit possible by your active participation. This standard is set early by applying the following:
- Establishing clear communication protocols with participants.
- Beginning each engagement with a detailed project plan.
- Listening to the feedback of the City, community members, and CEP participants.
- Acknowledging that the proposed offering may change depending upon the feedback.
Our program is both important for cannabis and non-cannabis participants helping with space, funding, legal resources, accounting, and growing expertise.
T.H.C. has designed a curriculum for participants and, following that, will support ongoing mentoring at T.H.C. depending on the participant’s area of focus.
Increasing Diversity of Cannabis Business Ownership
This program has been designed to increase participation in and access to, the cannabis industry for Equity Applicants, T.H.C. is committed to working with a minimum of 10 qualifying individuals within the CEP and a minimum of 40% of participants with residence within the City of Grand Rapids. Importantly, T.H.C. intends to review applicants who may not fully meet the definition of Equity Applicant, but otherwise would meet the spirit of the Cannabis Industry Social Equity Voluntary Agreement (CISEVA). T.H.C. is pleased to offer a program that has the goal of engaging individuals disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.
The program is built to increase the diversity of cannabis business ownership in Grand Rapids, Kent County, the State of Michigan, and the United States as legalization expands.
2024 CEP Curriculum Topics
- Introduction – T.H.C. HQ Tour*
- Financing Your Cannabusiness – Investors, Banking & Taxes
- Municipal Licensure – Grand Rapids
- Retail Operations – Staffing, Purchasing, Budtending
- Processing/Growing/Testing
- Marketing, Labeling, & Communications
- State of Michigan Licensing
- Cannabis Justice, Social Equity & Outreach Compliance
- Federal Outlook on Cannabis
- Cohort’s Choice Topic
Recent Program Graduates
We take pride in our graduates and want to highlight their accomplishments! Learn more about some of the amazing people who have graduated from our entrepreneurship program.
- Jessica Austin, is on the West Michigan Cannabis Guild Board (WMCG) and owner of The Duffy. The Duffy Safely Secures the Stash.
- Paul King, M.D., founder of cannabis testing laboratory Hummingbird Labs
- Ciarra Adtkins, J.D., founder of the Aqume Foundation—an organization focused on economic justice and racial equity in philanthropy.
Apply Today
Cannabis Entrepreneurship Program.
