Focus

Execution of state legislative-directed technical assistance grant program and distribution of $8.1m in grant funds

Challenge

The Washington Department of Commerce sought a qualified firm to develop and manage a comprehensive social equity program for the cannabis industry.

The project required:

Development of the program in collaboration with CommerceProvision of online technical assistance for business plan development

Implementation of a mentorship program

Administration of two grant programs with distinct criteria (with distribution of $8.1MM)

Launch Industries was tasked with creating a successful proposal, recruiting a diverse team of subcontractors, and delivering on these ambitious goals within a one-year timeframe.

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Our Approach

Launch approached the project with a strategic and collaborative mindset, ensuring all of the necessary project requirements were met (and exceeded!) as follows:

Proposal Development:

Crafted a compelling proposal that demonstrated our expertise and vision for the program.

Successfully secured the contract through a quality proposal and a strong interview.

Team Recruitment:

Assembled a diverse and experienced team of over 30 subcontractors, bringing a wide range of expertise and perspectives to the project.

Program Development:

Collaborated closely with Commerce to design a comprehensive program tailored to the needs of social equity applicants.

Developed an online learning platform featuring nearly a dozen cannabis-related courses, set to launch on July 1.

Mentorship and Grants:

Recruited and onboarded mentors with extensive experience in retail cannabis.

Prepared two rounds of grant application processes to award 45 social equity applicants a total of $8.1 million over the course of the year-long contract.

Ongoing Management and Reporting:

Provided monthly reports to the Department of Commerce, detailing progress and financials.

Ensured transparency and accountability with detailed invoices reflecting specific work done each month.

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Outcomes

The anticipated impacts and outcomes of Launch’s oversight and administration of the Social Equity Cannabis Program (SECP) include:

Increased Social Equity

By offering technical assistance, mentorship, and grant opportunities, the program aims to enhance access to the cannabis industry for individuals and communities most affected by cannabis-related law enforcement.

Diverse Business Ownership

The Grants Program is expected to foster diverse ownership within the cannabis sector, helping grant recipients establish and grow businesses, thereby contributing to a more inclusive industry.

Reduced Barriers to Entry

The program addresses business knowledge and other barriers to entry, empowering social equity applicants to navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry.

Mentorship, learning experiences, and financial support are key components in this empowerment.

Community Economic Development

The program's impact extends beyond individual participants, aiming to stimulate broader community economic development.

Successful businesses established by grant recipients are expected to create jobs, drive economic growth, and reinvest in communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs.

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Conclusion

By professionally and passionately administering this comprehensive program, Launch Industries is not only helping to increase social equity and diversity within the retail cannabis industry but also contributing to the economic development of communities across Washington.

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