Momentum. An Eaze Cultivator.

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Eaze understands the challenges facing cannabis business owners, and that’s why we created Momentum, a business accelerator designed to support and empower underrepresented founders. Momentum’s goal is to help build a diverse industry that addresses the War on Drugs and support small businesses in becoming more profitable and sustainable.

Puff. Puff. Pass the Love.

Momentum participants receive a $50,000 grant to help them navigate the high costs of doing business and lay a strong foundation for future success. Unlike many investment vehicles, the Momentum grant takes no equity from program participants.

Enjoy the Momentum.

Momentum takes participants through a 12-week industry expertise curriculum that provides mentorship from industry leaders, practical tools to manage and expand business, training in compliance best practices, and more. Participants will also get access to Eaze’s ecosystem of business resources, including our legal, marketing and analytics teams, and our investor, brand and retailer networks.

A New Kind of Seed Funding.

At the program’s conclusion, participants will pitch to industry-defining investors, who can open even more doors with additional capital and access to retail partners looking to stock their shelves. Participants could even be added to the Eaze marketplace, which has supported over four million legal deliveries to-date.

A Melting Pot for the Pot Industry.

Momentum will help participants build and expand relationships with like-minded founders, executives, investors and industry leaders working to transform cannabis. From Day 1 to the final pitch event, Momentum provides valuable opportunities for founders to rapidly expand their network, laying the foundation for even greater future success.

Let’s Build Momentum, Together

Momentum helps participants build and expand relationships with like-minded founders, executives, investors and industry leaders working to transform cannabis. As cannabis legalization continues, Momentum is here to foster unique brands, support  affected communities with greater revenue, and ultimately secure a more diverse cannabis culture. Because more voices, more perspectives, and more vibrancy will create a better industry for all.

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Momentum class of 2022

Sahir Al Salam

Detroit Life Lounge

Devin Alexander and Bryce Hall

Rolling Releaf

Tiyahnn Bryant and Precious Osagie-Erese

Roll Up Life

Michael Diaz-Rivera

Better Days Delivery

Kimberly Dillon

Frigg Wellness

Anthony Jenkins and Cartier Jenkins

Next Level Edibles

Eunice Kim

HiVi

Evelyn LaChapelle

Eighty Seven

Tasneem Mitchell

OUNCE

Madison Shockley

Cadre

Advisory committee

Malaki Amen

President and CEO
California Urban Partnership

Matt Barnes

Senior Advisor to the Board and Cannabis
Entrepreneur

Ramon Garcia

Co-founder
OEG, Locals Equity Distribution LLC, Sanctuary Farms LLC

Mary Pryor

Co-founder
Cannaclusive and Chief Marketing Officer of Tonic CBD

LaWanda Knox

CEO of Make Green Go
Cannabis Technical Assistance Consultant and President of The Allyance

Ford Smith

Founding Partner
Ultranative

Steven Hawkins

Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project

Austin Stevenson

Chief Innovation Officer
Vertosa

Kristi Palmer

Co-Founder and President
Kiva Confection

Ishaq Ali

Co-Founder
Halal Hemp, Momentum

Tahir Johnson

Director of Social Equity and Inclusion
Marijuana Policy Project, US Cannabis Council

Nidhi Lucky Handa

CEO
Leune

Momentum Past Cohorts

New Life CA

Sponsors

Momentum Pathways

Momentum Pathways is our commitment to supporting Momentum alumni beyond our 12 week accelerator. Pathway programs are special partnerships for applicants and alumni who have found or completed our program and are looking to continue their growth.

Founder Institute

Community Partners

Who should apply to Momentum?

  • We are looking for businesses that are beyond concept. Businesses that are operating and looking to grow are encouraged to apply to Momentum.
  • Licensing requirements:
    • Cannabis business must have a valid license issued by their state, state regulatory agency, and any other relevant licensing entities.
      • EXCEPTION: If you have applied for a local and/or state commercial cannabis license, which has not yet been issued by overseeing regulatory agency, you are still eligible for the accelerator, provided that you do not engage in commercial cannabis activities prior to the issuance of all applicable licenses. Applicants must upload a completed local and/or state commercial cannabis license application, proof of receipt of the license application by the respective agency, and/or any other evidence relevant to the application process. Proof of application includes, but is not limited to, your full license application, as submitted, or an acknowledgement of receipt of such application issued by the applicable licensing agency.
    • Hemp derived CBD business must source all your hemp from an entity that is part of the federal hemp pilot program and must be licensed by your local Department of Agriculture (CA exempt).
    • Ancillary businesses must have a local business license in the jurisdiction where they operate.
    • Applicants should be prepared to upload a copy of all license(s) for verification.

 

What types of documents should applicants be prepared to submit with their application?

  • Be prepared to upload copies of the following verification documents, if applicable:
    • Social equity designation
    • Military veteran status
    • Business financial statements
    • Resume or bio
  • In addition, applicants will need to:
    • Answer two essay questions (max 750 words total)
      • What personal or professional successes and failures have led you to create your business, apply for this program, and enter the cannabis industry?
      • What vision do you have for your business in supporting equity, diversity, and social/environmental sustainability in the cannabis industry?
    • Share some information about the size and status of their business.
    • Include contact information for two references.
  • Once selected, participants will be required to sign certain waivers and agreements as a condition to participation.

 

What do Momentum participants receive?

  • A $50,000 grant (two disbursements)
  • Access to Eaze business resources including ecosystem of investors and business partners.
  • Twelve weeks of curriculum.
  • Hands on support and training from cannabis industry experts.
  • An opportunity to pitch business concept to industry investors, retailers, and Eaze.

 

How does Momentum select participants?

  • Participants are selected by the Momentum advisory committee, which is a panel of social equity-focused community leaders and investors. The advisory committee is intended to represent a broad cross-section of cannabis industry perspectives, emphasizing individuals with practical experience in the cannabis equity space, first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing disadvantaged communities, and knowledge of how these challenges inform business opportunities and financial needs.
  • Applications will be assessed on a combination of their potential for success, real-life experiences, and their barriers to entry.

 

What is included in the curriculum?

  • Twelve weeks of webinars taught by industry experts. Participation is mandatory, and topics will include:
    • Round table discussions for participants to talk about their progress, ask questions, raise  concerns, and collaborate with other participants.
    • Business accelerator curriculum includes:
      • Public and media relations
      • Branding and marketing
      • Building your pitch deck
      • Legal and compliance
      • Strategic growth and corporate development
      • Equity and fundraising

 

What are the important dates applicants and/or participants of Momentum need to be aware of?

  • Applications open: October 26, 2021
  • Applications close: December 31, 2021
  • Final Interviews: March 2022
  • Orientation and introductions: March 21, 2022
  • Demo Day: June 2022

 

What are the expectations for Momentum participants?

  • Participants are required to participate in the orientation at the beginning of the program, weekly webinars, and the investor pitch event at the conclusion of the accelerator.
  • Participants are expected to attend all scheduled classes- Classes will be held two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for two hours each session.
  • Applicants are expected to participate in good faith regarding any additional programming and opportunities that may be presented throughout the program.
  • If you cannot commit to full good faith participation, we respectfully request you wait to apply another year.
  • Out of an abundance of caution, we will host weekly classes virtually online. In person attendance will not be required as long as COVID restrictions are in place.

 

How is the $50,000 grant distributed?

  • Applicants will receive the first installment of $15K after attending the kick off event, and the second $35K installment after attending the end-of program pitch event.
  • Disclaimer- the $50k participants receive is to help cover business expenses which may include travel and accommodations for the program, rent, build out, hiring, and any other costs related to your business during the program.

 

What if I am applying from a state that is not yet issuing licenses?

  • You are not required to have a license in order to be eligible for Momentum. Each state has different licensing requirements so we take your unique situation into consideration.
  • You do not need to upload a license if it does not exist, if you have a business plan, you are eligible. If you cannot proceed without submitting something, upload a copy of your business plan in place of your license.

 

Don't wait for change. Be the change.

Want to be one of the founders ready to leave their 
mark on the cannabis culture? Apply to join the nationwide program making an industry-wide impact.