Cannabis Equity Program – Boot Camps & Accelerator
Under the direction of the Connecticut Social Equity Council (SEC), Oaksterdam University offers a fresh opportunity to join the groundbreaking three-phase Cannabis Business Accelerator, delivered with the support of reSET and the Arcview Group.
The Business Accelerator is a rigorous training program for individuals interested in entrepreneurship. The Pre-Accelerator Boot Camp is required, a pre-requisite for entry into the business accelerator. The boot camp comprises manager-level training, five live Zoom classes, and one self-paced online learning module. Oaksterdam experts designed it to jump-start entry into the accelerator by previewing the commitment to cannabis business ownership. It helps participants become well-prepared to enter the workforce with their Cannabis Business Management Certification if they decide they do not want to pursue business ownership or want to gain experience first. Completing Management Training and the Boot Camp are prerequisites to the Accelerator Program.
In the boot camp, you will learn about:
- Starting up and managing your business
- The interaction between federal and state laws
- The Connecticut supply chain
- Operating agreements and corporate governance
- Preparing to raise capital
Upon completing a Pre-Accelerator Boot Camp, you will access four hours of coaching and enter Phase I of the Cannabis Business Accelerator. The program’s first phase will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges of operating different types of cannabis businesses and will help you develop business ideas. Phase I is a four-week interactive cohort-based learning experience that, combined with the Management Certificate, results in Oaksterdam’s Business of Cannabis Certification. During Phase I, OU business coaches communicate with each participant individually to assess their needs and goals in preparation for the next phases of the program.
Phase II is the 12-week Entrepreneurship Coaching Program, a small cohort-based program that results in completing a fully-formed business plan. You will receive hands-on support from experienced cannabis business consultants in small group and one-on-one settings. This phase also features three workshops where subject matter experts demonstrate skills that help you research and secure a location, perform market research, and identify the laws and rules that apply to their businesses.
In the final phase of the accelerator program, Oaksterdam University leverages its partnership with Arcview Group to provide education and direct assistance to accelerator participants as they raise capital for their cannabis business. Phase III comprises eight weeks of live Zoom cohort classes and one-on-one pro forma and pitch development coaching with Oaksterdam and Arcview coaches who offer resources, suggestions, and risk mitigation strategies when entering into financial relationships with potential investors.
Completing the Cannabis Business Accelerator prepares participants for a pitch day event where social equity applicants present their business plans to accredited investors from Arcview Group’s vast network. While no one can guarantee that businesses will gain funding, SEC’s Pitch Day represents the country’s first known effort by any equity technical assistance program to connect participants with vetted, accredited investors.
After completing the Oaksterdam Accelerator Program, participants become eligible to receive a 1.50% interest rate discount on business loans from the SEC.
Complete the form and our helpful staff will contact you to confirm your enrollment.
Please email [email protected] with questions about Oaksterdam’s program. Contact [email protected] for more information about the loan program.