A new chapter in cannabis equity and small business growth began in Rochester on Tuesday, July 15, with the launch of a first-of-its-kind incubator offering direct financial support to licensed cannabis businesses.
The initiative comes from BLOOM ROC, a community-based nonprofit now celebrating the inaugural cohort of its cannabis business incubator program. For the first time in New York State, such an incubator is providing operational stipends alongside coaching and technical support to help emerging cannabis entrepreneurs thrive.
The announcement was made during a Media Hour and public event held at the Central Library on South Avenue, where the six Western New York businesses in the program were formally introduced.
"We intentionally made sure that this cohort was small," BLOOM ROC President and Founder Precious Brown said. "This isn't a one-size-fits-all incubation. We are providing customized solutions so their organizations can thrive. They know they have the entire region behind them, and now they have an organization to ensure their success as they continue to roll out."
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