The Social Equity Program (SEP) offers four training tracks: Entrepreneur, Leadership and Executive Development Pathway (Core Track), Pathway to Employment (Entry Track), and Integrated Business Solutions (Ancillary Track). Each track is designed to match a participant’s interests, skills, and desired outcomes in or around the cannabis industry.
The Entrepreneur Track
The Entrepreneur Track is designed for SEP Participants seeking Marijuana Establishment (ME) licensure. This track prepares participants to apply for, own, and operate a licensed cannabis business.
Courses include, but are not limited, to:
- The Commission’s application and licensure process;
- Business plan development and raising capital;
- Operational compliance and post-licensure operations; and
- Municipal processes and Host Community Agreements.
Hear what some SEP Participant entrepreneurs say about the program:
Learn about the different license types available, and the process to obtain a license in Massachusetts:
Leadership and Executive Development Pathway
(Formerly Core Track)
This track is designed for SEP Participants pursuing managerial and executive-level careers with licensed cannabis businesses. It provides hands-on training and exposure to best practices across cannabis operations.
Courses include, but are not limited, to:
- Cultivation and product manufacturing;
- Laboratory testing and cannabis-specific retail; and
- Resume and interview preparation for cannabis careers.
Examples of managerial and executive-level positions SEP Participants have obtained:
- Regional Sales Director
- Dispensary General Manager
- Inventory Manager
- Manager of Cultivation
- Purchasing Manager
- Retail Manager
Pathway to Employment
(formerly Entry/Re-entry Track)
This track is designed for individuals who are either re-entering the workforce following incarceration or who are new to the cannabis industry and interested in entry-level employment within an ME.a Marijuana Establishment.
Courses include, but are not limited, to:
- Retail, cultivation, and product manufacturing;
- Testing and cannabis-specific education; and
- Resume and interview preparation for entry-level positions in the cannabis industry.
Explore licensed businesses currently operating in your area:
Integrated Business Solutions
(formerly Ancillary Track)
This track is designed for SEP Participants who are not seeking licensure or employment within an ME, but have businesses or transferable skills that support the cannabis industry. This includes service-based or supply chain industries.
Courses include, but are not limited, to:
- Business plan creation and facility design;
- Accounting, taxes, and business compliance; and
- Branding, marketing, and advertising.
Examples of industries that support the cannabis sector:
- Electricians
- HVAC
- Cleaning Services
- Marketing
- Plumbing
- Accounting
- Security
Hear what an SEP Participant ancillary business owner says about the program:
SEP Basic Course Curricula
Courses offered as part of the Basic Course Curricula include Business Plan Creation and Development, Raising Capital, Predatory Lending, Municipal Approval, Host Community Agreements (HCAs), and Branding, Marketing and Advertising, among others. Review the Basic Course Curricula Sheets for more details on available courses.
SEP Advanced Course Curricula
The SEP offers Advanced Coursework to help current Participants navigate the competitive cannabis industry. Training offered as part of the Advanced Course Curricula was developed as a result of feedback gathered from SEP licensees who have secured provisional, final, or commenced operations licenses. The courses cover topics such as financial planning, organizational and strategic development, diversity, equity and inclusion, and human resources. Review the Advanced Course Curricula Sheets for more details on available courses.
Get to know the landscape of cannabis businesses currently operating in Massachusetts.
Learn about what businesses are in your area, and what types of businesses your city or town allows:
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Meeting
The Cannabis Control Commission conducts meetings and other events to keep you informed.
Subscribe to Our
Notice List
Sign up for updates from the Cannabis Control Commission.
