The Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) announced the opening of the FY2024 JustCannabusiness Medical Cultivators Grant program this month. The application period closed last Friday and will refund specific costs associated with licensees. This grant opportunity was designed to support D.C. medical cannabis cultivation businesses and increase the supply of medical cannabis in the District.
To be eligible for the grant, businesses must hold a full or conditional medical cannabis cultivation center license issued by the ABCA, be majority DC-resident owne, and meet basic grant requirements. There are two types of grants available: the SEED Grant ($2,000) and the GROWTH Grant ($5,000-$50,000).
“DSLBD’s JustCannabusiness Grant reflects our dedication to empowering all entrepreneurs,” DSLBD director Rosemary Suggs-Evans, said.
She added that the fund reflects “Mayor Bowser’s dedication to providing the support needed for everyone to succeed and grow within our diverse business landscape.” This is despite issues with space for cultivators and worries about lack of substantial funding.
Successful applicants can expect to receive their grants before Sept. 30, 2024. DSLBD intends to offer future grant rounds in upcoming fiscal years.This is separate from the Medical Cannabis Social Equity Fund which is not currently funded.
There will be a publicly available posting of grant recipients on the DSLBD website. For more information, including the full Request for Applications (RFA), application link, and information session registration, please visit https://dslbd.dc.gov/cultivatorgrant. If you have any questions, please email Inno.ED@dc.gov.
