Once the Commission approves an application to the Social Equity Program (SEP), the participant is invited to an Orientation Session. This session introduces participants to the Commission’s support services and provides guidance on accessing training and resources through the SEP.
Participants are placed into one or more specialized learning tracks based on the interests indicated in their application. These tracks are designed to support a wide range of experience levels and career goals in the cannabis industry and beyond:
- Entrepreneur Track: Designed for participants seeking Marijuana Establishment (ME) licensure. This track prepares individuals to apply for, own, and operate an ME.
- Leadership and Executive Development Pathway (Core Track): Designed for participants pursuing managerial or executive-level careers within an ME.
- Pathway to Employment (Entry Track): Designed for individuals seeking entry-level employment within an ME, including those re-entering the workforce following incarceration.
- Integrated Business Solutions (Ancillary Track): Designed for participants with transferable skills or businesses that support the cannabis industry but who are not seeking ME licensure or direct employment.
SEP Participants may pursue multiple tracks simultaneously depending on their professional or business goals.
Additionally, all SEP Participants seeking licensure are required to complete the Universal Curriculum pathways — Essential Learning and Business Development & Expansion — prior to engaging in any track-specific curriculum.
Free Technical Assistance & Training
SEP Participants receive free access to Commission-approved technical assistance and training from providers across the state. These services cover:
- Business formation and planning;
- Licensing application support;
- Workforce readiness;
- Marketing, compliance, and more.
Training content is tailored to each track and is available to meet participants where they are, whether they are just beginning their journey or are ready to launch or grow their cannabis business.
All SEP Participants are provided access to TalentLMS, the Commission’s remote learning platform. Commission staff will assist with account setup and orientation.
Through TalentLMS, participants can:
- Access track-specific learning materials and self-paced coursework;
- Join live remote sessions with instructors and peers;
- Watch recordings of sessions at their convenience;
- Submit assignments and receive instructor feedback (note: no grades are issued); and
- Participate in discussion forums with other participants and instructors.
Technical assistance and training are ongoing benefits of the program. The live instruction of the curriculum has scheduled virtual sessions, however, course materials, assignments, and recordings remain available on TalentLMS for all enrolled participants. This allows participants to access updated content and new courses, self-paced, as Massachusetts’ legal cannabis industry evolves.
EquityWorks Career Hub
SEP participants have access to EquityWorks Career Hub, the Commission’s centralized platform designed to support inclusive hiring, networking, and professional growth within the Massachusetts regulated cannabis industry.
EquityWorks offers a curated space for SEP participants to identify job opportunities, engage in industry collaboration, and pursue career advancement—whether they are looking for new employment, finding hires to build out a licensed cannabis business, or more connections.
Those who sign up for EquityWorks gain access to a growing list of equity-focused job posts, online career fairs, workforce trainings, and networking opportunities with fellow SEP participants, licensees, and other industry professionals.
Orientation and Program Resources
Watch the recorded orientation session below to learn more about the SEP experience and how to get started.
Get Involved
If you are interested in providing benefits or services to SEP Participants, EEAs, or other groups for whom the Commission is charged with ensuring meaningful participation, please complete the agency’s Equity Involvement form.
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