A mature businessman using a laptop in a modern office
In a community where only 4% of business owners are in cannabis, something needed to be done to level the playing field for minority entrepreneurs and advance diversity: Enter the Black CannaBusiness CEO Intensive Program.
Sponsored by Parallel, a multistate cannabis operator headquartered in Austin and overseen and facilitated by Black CannaBusiness, a social equity-focused organization, the free six-week executive program features virtual and in-person workshops and training sessions. Courses run the gamut of topics ranging from risk management and leadership to finance and marketing/sales.
Since its debut on (auspiciously enough) April 20, 20222 in Boston, the program has travelled to several major cities that include Chicago, Denver, Tampa and Pittsburgh. Last week, the program began its latest session in Austin.
Fifteen entrepreneurs were chosen to be in the Austin class; however according to a spokesperson, some classes have been as large as thirty. BCB has worked with over 100 minority entrepreneurs to date.
Participants in the current Austin session
Program co-founder and instructor Brandon Wyatt said a key component of this program is community building, which is central to success in the cannabis industry.
“No business can survive in isolation,” said Wyatt, a business attorney who’s also an avid black cannabis advocate and operator. “Through our BCB Mastermind experience, participants are able to reestablish the vital business ecosystems and community trust, which has been intentionally altered by the ‘war on drugs.'”
In addition to Wyatt, the program’s other co-founder and instructor is Todd Hughes, a serial entrepreneur and community organizer.
“A business education tailored for cannabis executives of color is impactful because it is culturally competent,” said Hughes. “BCB facilitators of color lead the program and CEO participants get the chance to network with other entrepreneurs of color. These elements help provide a clearer path to success.”
The BCB Mastermind is open to cannabis business owners of color. Entrepreneurs of all levels are encouraged to apply.
Participants must be available for the mandatory in-person workshop for their cohort’s region. They also must be willing to commit four hours a week to group training sessions, four hours a week for homework and group assignments, and two full days of in-person training sessions for a total time commitment of 65 hours.
After Austin, the next program will be held in Tampa. Applications will open on July 7. For more information, click here.
