Women Grow Foundation Launches to Support Women in Cannabis
In a significant advancement for women in the cannabis sector, Women Grow has officially unveiled the Women Grow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This initiative aims to provide essential resources—including education, funding, and advocacy—to women-owned and -led businesses within the cannabis industry. The Foundation was officially launched during the Women Grow Leadership Summit held on February 17-18, 2025, in Maryland.
Objectives and Focus Areas
According to Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow, “The Women Grow Foundation is dedicated to empowering women in cannabis through strategic funding, mentorship, and policy advocacy.” The Foundation addresses systemic barriers faced by women and targets resources to create lasting change and opportunities across various career stages.
The Foundation’s initiatives center around three primary areas:
- Legalization and Policy Reform: Advocating for policy changes at both state and federal levels and supporting grassroots efforts to include diverse voices in regulatory discussions.
- Entrepreneurship and Funding: Connecting women to grants, investors, and education in business development to help overcome financial barriers.
- Career Development: Providing mentorship, professional training, and job placement assistance tailored to women in the cannabis sector.
Partnerships and Support
The Women Grow Foundation has garnered support from various organizations, including Stearns Bank, which pledged a $5,000 contribution during the Leadership Summit. Helain Lewis, a Community Development Consultant at Stearns Bank, emphasized the need for a more inclusive financial ecosystem, stating, “At Stearns Bank, we’re committed to building a more inclusive financial services ecosystem where everyone can reach their full financial potential.”
Despite women entrepreneurs demonstrating equal performance to their male counterparts, they currently receive only 3% of venture capital funding. The foundation seeks to rectify this imbalance through targeted resources and mentorship.
Membership and Funding Structure
The Women Grow Foundation operates on a yearly membership model, supplemented by donations and state and federal grant programs. Membership options include:
- Student Memberships: $79 per year
- Corporate Memberships: $500 per year
- Women Grow Circle Program: $1,000 to $5,000 per year
The structure is designed to enhance accessibility and provide various avenues for engagement and support within the cannabis industry.
Conclusion
The launch of the Women Grow Foundation marks a pivotal opportunity for women in the cannabis industry, focusing on empowerment through education, funding, and advocacy. By addressing systemic hurdles and promoting inclusivity, the Foundation aspires to reshape the landscape for women entrepreneurs in this burgeoning field.
For further details, visit Women Grow.
