Cannabis Entrepreneurship Technical Assistance Program

The Denver Cannabis Entrepreneurship Technical Assistance Program is designed to create pathways to ownership for more populations by providing long-term support through essential resources, expert knowledge, and tailored assistance.

This program focuses on assisting cannabis businesses ready to establish a physical business location. While participants may have an online presence, the primary objective is to help them navigate the complex steps required to open and operate a brick-and-mortar establishment.

Funded by $380,000 of the City and County of Denver's cannabis sales tax revenues, the program seeks to train and elevate Denver residents who meet the State of Colorado's definition of a social equity applicant in the cannabis industry.

The City and County of Denver has contracted iComply Cannabis, a local partner, empowering cannabis businesses to navigate the process of opening a physical marijuana business location.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Sufficient Capital: Applicants must have the capital to construct the proposed licensed facility, including proof of funds sufficient to cover capital expenditures and operating expenses.
2. Physical Location: Applicants must demonstrate site control (ownership, signed lease or intent to lease) for a brick-and-mortar cannabis business within the city limits of Denver. The location must meet zoning requirements and proximity distancing in accordance with the Denver Marijuana Zoning Guide(PDF, 402KB). (Proof of a qualified location meeting zoning and distancing requirements is required.)
3. Social Equity Qualification: Applicants must meet the social equity criteria as defined by the State of Colorado and obtain proof of current Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) Finding of Suitability.
4. Business Validity: Applicants must provide proof of current business validity, including documentation such as Secretary of State (SOS) Proof of Registration, IRS Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), and Operating Agreement(s).

Our comprehensive technical assistance program provides qualified participants with the expertise, tools, training, and guidance necessary to establish a viable business in the evolving cannabis landscape. Participants will benefit from:

1. Personalized Expert Guidance: Each participant will benefit from experienced service professionals at little to no cost who understands the unique challenges faced by social equity entrepreneurs. Experts will provide tailored project plans, complete State and local licensing applications, advice, support, and deliverables throughout the business journey.
2. Architecture and Design Plans: We offer a series of construction focused meetings covering essential topics such as design planning, regulatory compliance, construction budget management, process navigation strategies, and operational design plans. These sessions are designed to equip participants with the materials they need to succeed in establishing a properly zoned, distanced, and constructed cannabis business in the City and County of Denver.
3. Access to Resources: Participants will gain access to a wealth of resources, including guidance on business plans, financial projections, standard operating procedures, training, and operational checklists. Additionally, our program connects participants with a network of industry professionals, associations, and other support services.
4. Site Visits and Business Reviews: In-depth assessments and site visits will be conducted to evaluate each participant’s proposed facility and address any specific challenges. Our team will work closely with participants to refine their business strategies and operational plans.

Ongoing Support: The technical assistance program offers continuous support even after the standard operating procedures, initial training, and licensing open the doors of the business. Participants can access resources, audits, and advice as they grow and adapt their businesses to changing market conditions. 

Applications are currently closed. We recommend completing the program courses in preparation for the next application opening. If you have any questions, please contact iComply at admin@icomplycannabis.com