AUSTIN, Texas –
Black CannaBusiness (BCB) and Parallel’s innovative national education series, specifically tailored for CEOs of color in the cannabis industry, continues with its next stop in Austin, Texas.
The Black CannaBusiness CEO Intensive Program is a six-week executive training program designed to empower cannabis business owners. It features a comprehensive curriculum with virtual and in-person workshops and training sessions.
With Parallel’s generous support, the program is offered free of charge to participants. Following the success of previous cohorts in cities like Boston, Chicago, Denver, Tampa, and Pittsburgh, where the program has helped over 100 entrepreneurs, it is now coming to Austin to work with entrepreneurs in the Southwest.
Minority cannabis business owners will engage in a transformative two-day in-person session alongside cannabis founders and professionals. They will partake in structured exercises and receive invaluable mentorship from leading subject matter experts and industry practitioners on June 15th—16th.
BCB co-founders and instructors, Todd Hughes and Brandon Wyatt Esq., bring their extensive industry experience and deep understanding of the barriers faced by cannabis business owners, ensuring a hands-on learning experience. Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills that can be applied directly in the real world.
“We began this training program to address some of the skill gaps for minority entrepreneurs to help them seed and grow their businesses and also to help them build community with like-minded entrepreneurs. Some incredible businesses have come out of these cohorts, and we’re excited to see what the Great Plains produces,” said Brandon Wyatt Esq., BCB co-founder.
Previous cohort members have said that the greatest part about the program was the opportunity to learn from people that look like them and speak their language. With curriculum uniquely crafted to help minority entrepreneurs establish new perspectives on business and challenge them in ways traditional education doesn’t, while partnering with a multi-state cannabis company like Parallel, participants have gained access to invaluable industry insights and established valuable business connections.
“The Black CannaBusiness CEO Intensive Program took me from hobbyist to CEO. It provided me with the tools to create a business plan. It introduced me to a network of mentors and other entrepreneurs who have become a major resource as I scale my business,” said Omari Anderson, CEO of Best Dirty Lemonade and a 2022 graduate of the BCB Mastermind CEO Intensive, Boston cohort.
“Minorities still only represent 4% of entrepreneurs in cannabis, more needs to be done to increase those numbers so marginalized communities don’t miss out on an opportunity to build generational wealth for themselves and their families. We’re talking about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get into a new industry on the ground floor,” said Lynnette French, Parallel’s Chief Operating Officer.
Moreover, Parallel recognizes that Texas presents a promising landscape for the medical cannabis market, with ripe future opportunities. Through their collaboration with BCB, they aim to provide entrepreneurs in Texas and neighboring states, like Oklahoma with adult-use cannabis, a leg up in this burgeoning industry.
“Medical cannabis states present a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs because the regulations call for out-of-the-box thinking and innovation in terms of product variety. A state like Texas requires you to go beyond flower and really think about new products, delivery systems, and ancillary services that are compliant with state regulations” said Todd Hughes, BCB co-founder.
Parallel and BCB are committed to empowering CEOs of color in the cannabis industry and creating a more inclusive and equitable space for all. By providing comprehensive education and valuable connections, they are paving the way for success and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For more information and to apply for the Black Cannabusiness CEO Intensive Program, please visitBCB Mastermind.
About Black CannaBusiness (BCB)
Black CannaBusiness is a leading organization dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunities for people of color in the cannabis industry. Through their transformative programs, mentorship, and advocacy, BCB aims to empower cannabis business owners and promote diversity in the sector.
About Parallel
Parallel is a multi-state cannabis company committed to delivering high-quality, consistent cannabis products and experiences to patients and consumers. goodblend medical marijuana is a retail brand of Parallel, that proudly produces its cannabis products in the Lone Star State and is headquartered in Austin, Texas.
