Minnesota has launched two new programs aimed at supporting organizations that assist businesses in the state’s legal marijuana market.
The initiatives, overseen by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), will distribute up to $8 million in funding.
The CanNavigate program will provide up to $2 million in grants to community-based entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) and groups with expertise in marijuana regulations. These grants will help individuals understand the regulatory framework of operating a marijuana business, with a focus on social equity applicants and those facing employment barriers.
The CanStartup program is set to award up to $6 million in grants to nonprofit lenders, allowing them to offer loans to emerging marijuana microbusinesses. The goal is to drive job growth and support businesses in communities where long-term residents qualify as social equity applicants.
“These grants represent an investment in a growing sector of our economy,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Our goal is to build an inclusive and thriving market that creates opportunities across the state.”
DEED will host informational webinars on March 13 and March 18 for potential applicants. Deadlines for CanStartup and CanNavigate applications are April 9 and April 11, respectively.
Additionally, later in March, DEED will launch CanTrain, a workforce development initiative aimed at training individuals for careers in the marijuana industry.
