Funding now available for small businesses in Columbia Heights impacted by federal immigration enforcement. Apply at mccdmn.tfaforms.net/49
The CanNavigate program has officially begun enrolling participants for its first cohort this month, and the team is excited to begin working with Social Equity Applicants across Minnesota who are preparing to enter the state’s emerging cannabis industry.
CanNavigate was created to support entrepreneurs who qualify as Social Equity Applicants (SEA) as they navigate the complex steps involved in launching and operating a cannabis business in Minnesota. The program provides education, technical assistance, and practical guidance for individuals at different stages of readiness, from early exploration to operational planning.
Participants in the program will have access to virtual workshops, cohort learning opportunities, and industry-specific technical assistance designed to help them move forward with confidence. The cohort workshops will be offered virtually so that individuals from across Minnesota can participate and there will be some in-person workshops held t for those who may want information on a specific topic such as banking or insurance.
A key component of the program is the educational platform Growv, developed by Catalyst Compliance. Through Growv, participants will have access to a series of pre-recorded instructional workshops, each paired with live Q&A sessions where participants can ask questions and receive guidance from subject matter experts. Participants will also be able to use the Growv Knowledge Center, a resource hub that provides information and technical assistance related to cannabis business development, compliance, and operational planning.
The CanNavigate team is pleased to welcome the Growv technical assistance team supporting this effort, including Ashley Picillo, Aly Piscatelli, Allison Gilmer, and Kaelan Castetter. Their experience supporting cannabis entrepreneurs and social equity programs will help ensure participants receive practical, relevant guidance.
CanNavigate is administered by the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) in collaboration with technical assistance providers and industry partners working to support Social Equity Applicants as Minnesota’s cannabis industry develops.
Individuals who have verified their Social Equity Applicant status through the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management may still enroll and participate in the upcoming cohort and workshops.
Entrepreneurs interested in enrolling or learning more about the program are encouraged to reach out to Program Design & Launch Consultant Deanna Torrence. Deanna can be reached at CanNavigate@mccdmn.org for enrollment information and next steps.
CanNavigate is funded through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This program is designed to ensure Social Equity Applicants have access to the support, knowledge, and resources needed to build successful cannabis businesses.