The Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, managed by Binghamton University’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships, has announced the launch of the Opportunity Grows Cannabis Accelerator. This free four-week remote learning program is designed to develop cannabis businesses in New York through industry and business experts, giving participants an edge in this fast-developing market.
“The Cannabis Accelerator leverages our expertise supporting entrepreneurs with business education and targeted resources,” said Per Stromhaug, Associate Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development at Binghamton University. “Our remote program will introduce participants to business opportunities throughout the cannabis supply chain.”
“The Cannabis Accelerator is designed to help make New York’s cannabis industry more diverse and inclusive,” said Ari Hoffnung, Founder of Opportunity Grows. “Those of us that have benefited from our involvement in the early years of the legal cannabis industry have a particular responsibility to welcome individuals that have previously been locked out of these opportunities.”
The Cannabis Accelerator begins on beginning on November 9th and is open to New Yorkers of all backgrounds and individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition or who qualify as minority or women-owned businesses, distressed farmers, or service-disabled veterans. There is no cost to participate in the program and registration is open online at https://southerntierincubator.com/ogaccelerator/.
The Cannabis Accelerator will include both business and cannabis education modules. Koffman Incubator staff will introduce participants to the Business Model Canvas, a proven method to help entrepreneurs visually define and refine their business plans. Complimenting the business component of the program, participants will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with leading cannabis industry experts including:
- Ngiste Abebe, Vice President of Public Policy, Columbia Care
- Eric Greenbaum, Chief Science Officer, Goodness Growth Holdings
- Kyle Kingsley, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Goodness Growth Holdings
- Kate Lynch, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Curaleaf
- Jeanne Mariani Sullivan, Chief Investment Officer, Arcview Ventures
- Peter Prevot, CPA, CIA, Chief Operating Officer, Bridge West Consulting
- Jeremy Unruh, Senior Vice President, Public and Regulatory Affairs, PharmaCann
- Talley Wettlaufer, Senior Vice President, Retail, Curaleaf
The Cannabis Accelerator is supported by Arcview Ventures, Bridge West Consulting, Columbia Care, Curaleaf, Cresco Labs, Goodness Growth Holdings, Opportunity Grows, PharmaCann and The Agency.
