CannaBusiness Growth Technical Assistance

The CannaBusiness Growth Technical Assistance program is an initiative by the Cannabis Business Office (CBO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). This program is tailored to support social equity cannabis businesses in Colorado by offering free, on-demand educational content. Developed in collaboration with Vangst, the largest employment network in the cannabis industry, the program provides industry-specific knowledge across various cannabis business verticals, including cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and retail. The program's primary goal is to foster operational excellence and sustainability among cannabis businesses by equipping them with essential tools and knowledge. The course library features over 40 self-paced modules, which are scenario-based and include videos, texts, exercises, and downloadable materials. Each module takes approximately 5–20 minutes to complete. This flexible structure enables business owners to progress at their own pace and revisit content as needed, supporting different learning styles and schedules. Participants gain access to the educational materials by registering for a free account on the BIPOCann-hosted learning platform. There are no registration fees, and enrollment is available on a rolling basis. The coursework covers critical areas such as compliance, finance, sales, marketing, human resources, hiring best practices, dispensary operations, delivery logistics, and hospitality services. Learners can choose modules that best suit their business needs, making the experience customizable and relevant. This program reflects the CBO’s mission to empower historically marginalized cannabis entrepreneurs through comprehensive support, particularly those qualifying under Colorado’s Social Equity Program. Testimonials from past beneficiaries, such as Grassberries’ owners, emphasize the impact of CBO's initiatives, noting that such support has been pivotal to their survival and growth. While the Technical Assistance program is not a grant in the traditional financial sense, it complements other CBO funding opportunities and reinforces broader economic development goals for the cannabis sector. No pre-application requirements or specific deadlines are involved, given the rolling, open-access nature of the program. There are also no limitations on business size or specific financial qualifications. However, eligibility is restricted to cannabis business owners in Colorado, particularly those aligned with the state’s social equity objectives. The program does not require submission of traditional grant materials or evaluation of proposals. The program is managed by Emma Howard, Senior Manager for Strategy & Special Projects at OEDIT. While no phone number or direct application link is required to access the content, interested participants can reach out via the general OEDIT email for assistance. The content can be accessed immediately upon registration, allowing for a streamlined entry into the learning experience.