Our office provides comprehensive support to Social Equity Licensees and the Cannabis business community through a number of programs including the Technical Assistance Program, CEO Accelerator, the Social Equity Partnership Grant Program, and the Social Equity Investor Portal (Coming Soon).
Programs
Trailblazer:
The Trailblazer Series shines a spotlight on visionary trailblazers in the cannabis entrepreneurs whose journeys are shaping a more inclusive and innovative industry. Through fireside-style conversations and interactive sessions, social equity licensees across Maryland gain exclusive access to first-hand insights, strategies, and lessons learned from leading figures nationwide. Designed to emphasize “excellence, market transformation, leadership, and industry evolution,” the Trailblazer Series is part of OSE’s broader mission to support an equitable and sustainable cannabis ecosystem.
Attendees can expect hearing inspiring stories from trailblazers who share their path from breakthrough to breakthrough, highlighting both victories and obstacles. SELs hear how these leaders overcame regulatory hurdles, scaled their operations, and integrated equity into their business models—insights that are especially relevant for Maryland’s social equity entrepreneurs.
Cannabis Business Masterclass Masterclass:
The Cannabis Business Masterclass Series is a virtual training program developed to provide critical business education to the state’s social equity license holders. This expert-led initiative is designed to equip emerging entrepreneurs with the tools, insights, and confidence needed to launch, grow, and sustain a successful cannabis business in Maryland. Topics range from business formation, real estate, and licensing compliance to capital readiness, cannabis operations, and go-to-market strategy.
Program Overview
- 13–15 live, virtual sessions
- 28.5 hours total Instruction Hours
- Participants may join live sessions or view recordings anytime through an on-demand class library, offering flexibility for busy professionals.
- Open exclusively to Maryland conditional licensees at no cost.
CEO Accelerator:
A comprehensive business development initiative featuring two complementary components designed specifically for Maryland's social equity licensees:
NuProject 'Cannabis Technical Financial Assistance Program': An intensive bootcamp led by Jeannette Ward, a former Coca-Cola executive who has directed millions in funding to historically excluded cannabis entrepreneurs. The program equips participants with investor-ready business plans, financials, and compelling pitch decks.
Coppin State University: A curated cannabis-focused business development track with flexible delivery models, technical assistance, and personalized mentorship through the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship
Cannabis Business Assistance Fund (CBAF)
Governor Wes Moore has officially launched Round 4 of the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund (CBAF) through the
Maryland Department of Commerce—a critical financial support resource dedicated to small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses entering the adult-use cannabis sector. Previous rounds have delivered over $45 million in support to social equity and medical-to-adult-use pre‑approved applicants business.
CBAF is a conditional grants and loans program designed to assist new social equity licensees’ journey toward operational status. It awards milestone-based funding across 4 disbursement tranches, calibrated against “Adequate Capital Requirement” benchmarks established by the
Maryland Cannabis Administration
Who’s Eligible:
- New social equity cannabis licensees selected through the MCA’s lottery process
- License types include micro-standard growers, processors, and dispensaries
- Applicants must reach specified capital progress milestones aligned with adult-use licensing requirements.
**Applications for Round 4 have been open—social equity licensees have been alerted.
Social Equity Partnership Grant Program:
The Social Equity Partnership Grant Program (Coming Soon) is a first of its kind initiative developed by the Maryland Office of Social Equity to support equitable participation in the state’s adult-use cannabis industry. Backed by a historic commitment of state resources, SEPP is designed to foster meaningful partnerships between social equity licensees and experienced industry operators, directly addressing barriers to entry and long-term sustainability.
Through a tailored, mentorship-based model, the program promotes collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and operational support — ensuring that social equity licensees receive the tools they need to succeed.
Funding & Grant Structure
SEPP will provide up to $5 million in grant funding to support cannabis licensees.
Resources
At the Office of Social Equity, we believe the power of collaboration enhances our commitment to the community by having a diverse set of government agencies and resources easily accessible for those looking to enter the market.
WWe work very closely with various local government agencies to effectively streamline the licensees process, share vital resources, and work together to create innovative solutions for the adult-use cannabis market. By leveraging the unique strengths of each agency, we are committed to a cannabis market that allows full participation to those who have been disproportionately impacted and excluded by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition.
For more information on our collaborative initiatives, please visit:
