Maryland Launches Cannabis Equity Ecosystem

The Maryland Office of Social Equity (OSE) has just launched the state’s comprehensive cannabis equity ecosystem, a first-in-the-nation approach designed to transform social equity licensees into thriving businesses that create jobs and helps boost the local economy.

“Our mission demands more than issuing licenses – it requires advocacy that turns policy into practice,” said Office of Social Equity executive director Audrey Johnson in a news release. “Maryland is building an ecosystem that helps licensees move from opportunity to operation – tackling the real barriers to launching sustainable businesses. This is how we translate equity into jobs, ownership and long-term prosperity.”

The Cornerstone of Maryland’s Cannabis Equity Ecosystem

At the center of this ecosystem is the Office of Social Equity’s CEO Accelerator Program, according to the organization, 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.

“By focusing on financial knowledge and investor readiness, we’re addressing one of the most significant barriers facing new cannabis entrepreneurs,” said Jeannette Ward of NuProject in the release. “This partnership with the Office of Social Equity creates a critical support system these businesses need to move from license to launch, creating economic opportunities in communities that have historically been excluded.”

Coppin State University Partnership: A curated cannabis-focused business development track with flexible delivery models, technical assistance and personalized mentorship through the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship.

“The Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship at Coppin State University is proud to partner with the Office of Social Equity on the CEO Accelerator program,” said Dr. Ron Williams, founding director of the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship at Coppin State University, in the release. “This collaboration represents our commitment to providing comprehensive entrepreneurial education that meets emerging industries where they are. By combining foundational business training with cannabis-specific expertise, we’re helping ensure that Maryland’s cannabis sector reflects the entrepreneurial potential of our communities.”

Support from Concept to Launch

The ecosystem includes strategically sequenced components to support entrepreneurs at every stage:

Trailblazers Series (Launched January 2025) – An exclusive series for Maryland’s social equity cannabis licensees, featuring insights from successful minority cannabis entrepreneurs nationwide.

Regional Open Houses (Launched April 2025) – In-person convenings held with social equity licensees across all Maryland regions designed to build peer connections and regional business networks.

Cannabis Business Masterclass Series (Launched April 2025) – A 28.5-hour curriculum led by subject matter experts, focused on business fundamentals.

CEO Accelerator Programs (May-November 2025) – Intensive business development through NuProject and Coppin State University partnerships.

From Seed to Success: A Cannabis Business Vendor Fair (June 6, 2025) – A strategic event connecting social equity licensees with vetted service providers.

Cannabis Business Assistance Fund (CBAF 4) | June 2025 – Milestone-based grants supporting operational readiness, coordinated by Maryland Department of Commerce.

Social Equity Partnership Grant Program (Coming Soon) – A new initiative to foster meaningful partnerships between operational cannabis licensees and social equity licensees. Qualifying partnerships include those that provide training, mentorship or shared commercial space/equipment to a social equity licensee.

Success will be measured through established benchmarks for each program component, according to the organization. OSE tracks metrics like program completion rates, capital raised, partnerships formed, businesses opening and business sustainability for program components.

The Office of Social Equity’s ecosystem will continue expanding throughout 2025, with additional components launching to support licensees through each critical stage from concept to operational launch.

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