The Social Equity Program (SEP) has four training tracks: Entrepreneur, Core, Entry, and Ancillary. Each track is designed to meet an applicant’s interest in the cannabis industry, skill set, and/or desired outcomes.
The Entrepreneur Track
The Entrepreneur Track is designed for SEP Participants seeking Marijuana Establishment (ME) licensure. The track prepares participants to apply for, own, and support an ME.
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:
The Core Track
The Core Track is designed for SEP Participants seeking managerial and executive-level careers working for an ME. The track exposes participants to best practices for cannabis businesses and provides hands-on training and education to obtain management roles and other positions.
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 that Core Track SEP participants have obtained:
- Regional Sales Director
- Dispensary General Manager
- Inventory Manager
- Manager of Cultivation
- Purchasing Manager
- Retail Manager
The Entry Track
The Entry Track is for SEP Participants who are interested in re-entering the workforce following incarceration, and/or individuals who are interested in entry-level careers within an ME with little or no experience. This track prepares participants to understand the cannabis plant, the regulated industry, restorative justice practices, re-entering the workforce, and entry-level job opportunities.
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.
Learn about what businesses are currently operating in your area:
The Ancillary Track
The Ancillary Track is designed for SEP participants who have skills or businesses that would support the cannabis industry but are not seeking licensure or employment within an ME. The program helps participants understand how to apply their skill set or business to the cannabis industry, without requiring licensure from the Commission. Coursework also explores how to develop an ancillary business.
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 ancillary industries supporting the cannabis industry:
- 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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