Cook County launches CannaBiz Pathways program to support entrepreneurs in cannabis industry
Cook County on Monday launched of Cook County CannaBiz Pathways, a no-cost advising program for entrepreneurs working in the cannabis industry.
The program will offer participants an opportunity to learn and take advantage of webinars and one-on-one business advising.
Supported by the Cook County Equity Fund, the program builds on feedback received from applicants to the 2024 Cook County Cannabis Development Grant, which offered financial support to Cook County-based Illinois Social Equity License holders.
“The CannaBiz Pathways program will provide customized guidance for cannabis entrepreneurs, including in-depth assistance regarding compliance, taxes, promotion and more,” said county board President Toni Preckwinkle. “As they navigate the challenges of opening and getting established in an emerging sector, Cook County is committed to ensuring they benefit from the economic opportunities and tailored advising that will position them for success.”
The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) will administer the CannaBiz Pathways program, which will include two six-week groups focused on aspects of the highly regulated cannabis industry. Participants will learn market research, customer segmentation, sales strategies, marketing strategies, financial acumen, industry regulations and compliance, operations management and more.
The groups are open to all Cook County cannabis license holders.
“In a complex industry like cannabis, education serves as the foundation for compliance, credibility and long-term success,” said WBDC President and CEO Erica Kuhlmann. “It also helps entrepreneurs build informed communities that can thrive together in a growing industry.”
The curriculum will be supported by virtual classes and supplemental self-paced online training, including Responsible Vendor Training. The program is open to cannabis license holders who have opened or are opening their businesses in Cook County.
The first group will meet weekly from Oct. 7 to Nov. 18. Registration is open through Oct. 1 and availability is limited to 25 participants. The second group will begin in late January or early February 2026.
To complement the group-based curriculum, the center will offer at least one webinar or virtual workshop each month featuring subject matter experts in the cannabis industry. Topics will include banking, human resources, accounting and tax law. The webinars are open to all, and the workshops are open to Cook County cannabis license holders.
The first webinar will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday and will focus on aligning impact with compliance and more. To register visit https://www.wbdc.org/.
CannaBiz Pathways also will offer one-on-one advising to empower business owners with personalized guidance and strategic planning tailored to their unique goals. These resources are offered at no cost to participants.
“This groundbreaking initiative embodies our dedication to equity, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic vitality in the rapidly expanding cannabis industry,” said Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, who championed the Cannabis Development Grant effort. “Through comprehensive advising, peer cohort learning and expert-led workshops, we are equipping entrepreneurs with the financial literacy, compliance strategies and business acumen necessary to succeed in this highly regulated field.”
This year, Cook County will award Cannabis Development Grants to up to 10 eligible entrepreneurs who applied last year but were not selected. Recipients will be notified of their grant awards in the coming months.
For more information on the CannaBiz Pathways program, visit wbdc.org/en/cook-county-cannabiz-pathways/.