(Eaze) -- BIPOC, women, U.S. veteran and LGBTQ+ cannabis entrepreneurs across the country can apply now for Eaze’s award-winning Momentum accelerator
We’re so excited to announce that we’ve opened applications for our award-winning Momentum business accelerator to cultivate underrepresented cannabis businesses nationally. BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+ and military veteran founders across the country can apply now to this award-winning program.
Now in its third year, Momentum’s national focus reflects our multi-state expansion into Michigan and recent acquisition of Colorado and Florida retail leader Green Dragon.
We launched Momentum in 2019 to support Eaze’s mission of delivering good with the goods and helping communities hurt by the War on Drugs. Momentum has since welcomed Black, POC, veteran, and female founders from California, Michigan, New York and New Jersey. In 2021, Momentum was recognized as a finalist in Fast Company’s World-Changing Ideas, and has received awards from WeedWeek and LA Weekly for its positive impact on social equity.
“As Eaze’s footprint continues to grow beyond California, we’re focused on helping even more women and founders of color break into the cannabis industry,” said Jennifer Lujan, Eaze’s Director of Social Impact. “Getting a foot in the door is often harder for these founders, so we encourage applicants across the country to apply now.”
Each member of Momentum’s 2022 class will receive a $50,000 grant; participate in a 12-week curriculum led by 70 volunteer experts; and gain access to our extensive business development, marketing, and retailer resources. Eaze takes no equity in participants’ businesses, distinguishing itself from many other accelerators and programs available to underrepresented entrepreneurs. At Momentum’s conclusion, participants will pitch to industry-defining cannabis investors for the opportunity to raise additional funds.
“Through grants, mentorship, education, and more, Momentum represents an ecosystem of passionate entrepreneurs, advisors, and industry professionals working together to build an inclusive industry!” said Austin Stevenson, Vertosa’s chief innovation officer and member of Momentum’s advisory board.
Momentum exists because of support from cannabis brands Everyday, Cloud, Vertosa, CANN, Leune, and Country Cannabis and generous media partnerships with Becker Boards, Brooklyn Outdoor, Bulletin Displays, Cannabis Now, and CannaVu (Trion IO).
Momentum Fast Facts:
100%: Percent of alumni who report their businesses grew as a result of Momentum.
100%: Percent of alumni who report they would recommend Momentum to other entrepreneurs.
$1 million: Equity-free grants provided by Eaze to Momentum participants to-date.
1,200: Hours that Eaze employees have volunteered to the program.
85: Industry leaders who’ve served as mentors to Momentum participants.
Eaze’s social impact work also includes its Social Equity Menu; partnership with Code for America to clear 250,000 low-level criminal offenses; permanent 25% discount for U.S. veterans; support for the Homegrown Detroit fund; and partnerships with Success Centers SF and the San Francisco AIDS project.
Businesses that are operating and looking to grow are encouraged to apply to Momentum. If you are a cannabis business, you must be licensed by all required jurisdictions.
Seth Yakatan
Known for solutions that yield results, Seth Yakatan has completed or advised on acquisitions and corporate finance transactions totaling over $3 billion. He is CEO of Katan Associates International—a financial strategy and merchant banking firm specializing in commercialization and asset monetization—especially those within life-science and e-commerce sectors.
Source:
https://www.eaze.com/article/momentum-2022-applications-open