GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Fluresh, a leading Grand Rapids-based cannabis company, recently announced the launch of the application process for its free Cannabis Entrepreneur Program.
This is the third year Fluresh has offered the nine-month entrepreneurial program, formerly known as the Fluresh Five Accelerator.
Tia Ezell, community engagement manager at Fluresh, said the mission of the program is to support efforts that will help build equity in the cannabis industry.
“We believe that one of the greatest ways we can achieve this goal is by providing educational tools to those seeking them,” Ezell said. “The participants can be forces for change while using our resources to create opportunity in our community and industry.”
The nine-month comprehensive program and overview of the cannabis industry provide participants with the following:
- Professional training
- Ongoing technical assistance
- Workspace
- Necessary materials to be a successful cannabis business operator or employee.
The Grand Rapids-based cannabis business touts creating a curriculum that develops the next leaders in the industry by collaborating with community partners, educators and agencies.
One of those leaders, Jessica Austin, is a graduate of the 2021-22 program. She currently serves as a Fluresh brand ambassador and owner of two companies: Creative Carvings and Rich Smoke.
Austin became interested in exploring opportunities for cannabis-infused foods. Now, her smell-proof duffle bag line can be found online and in Fluresh provisioning centers.
“The Fluresh Cannabis Entrepreneur Program helped me on my cannabis entrepreneurial journey,” she said. “The key sessions helped me identify how I can thrive in the cannabis industry through networking and educational opportunities. The connections I’ve made and the things I’ve learned about the cannabis industry started here.”
Open applications will run through Dec. 2 and are available online. Five applicants are selected based on qualifying criteria and will be notified on Dec. 9.
Read more:
NOXX Cannabis opening second store in Grand Rapids, aiming to bring more Blacks into industry