Maryland to Launch New Application Round For Cannabis Business Assistance Fund
BALTIMORE, MD (June 2, 2025) — Governor Wes Moore today announced that a new round of funding will soon be available through the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Cannabis Business Assistance Fund. This is the fourth financing round for the program, which helps increase small business and entrepreneur capacity to participate in Maryland’s adult-use cannabis industry.
“Our administration is proud to support this next round of Cannabis Business Assistance grant funding, which builds on our progress of diversifying the cannabis industry in Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “When we enhance equity and economic growth across our business community, we see returns that impact our entire state. This program helps us grow this important new industry and expand opportunity across Maryland.”
Grant funding will be available to new social equity cannabis business licensees, as awarded through the Maryland Cannabis Administration’s lottery system last year. More than 200 applicants were selected across the micro and standard grower, processor, and dispensary categories. Maryland was the first state in the nation to open a cannabis licensing round exclusively for qualifying social equity applicants in all license types.
“The Cannabis Business Assistance Fund continues to invigorate the small, minority, and women-owned business community throughout our great state,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “By partnering with the Maryland Cannabis Administration and the Maryland Office of Social Equity, we can ensure more opportunities become available for entrepreneurs as we invest in this growing industry.”
“With this funding resource, cannabis businesses will be able to put funding toward a wide variety of business and start-up expenses like employee training, equipment, location buildout, payroll wages, and even utilities,” said Maryland Cannabis Administration Director Tabatha Robinson. “The Maryland Cannabis Administration has worked to mitigate the risks for these businesses by providing guidance and resources throughout the licensing process.”
Previous rounds of funding assisted existing medical-use licensees with the cost of converting their license to an adult-use license, as well as supporting social equity licensees who held a stage one pre-approval for a license prior to October 2022. In total, the program has awarded more than $45 million to support those entering Maryland’s cannabis market.
“Startup funding is one of the most critical needs for newly licensed cannabis businesses. The Cannabis Business Assistance Fund helps level the playing field by providing the early capital that social equity entrepreneurs need to establish and grow in Maryland’s cannabis industry,” said Maryland Office of Social Equity Executive Director Audrey Johnson. “This fourth round of funding reinforces our shared commitment to building a diverse, inclusive marketplace that works for all Marylanders. We’re proud to partner with the Maryland Department of Commerce to deliver real resources that help turn business plans into thriving operations.”
Details on eligibility, application deadlines, and program requirements can be found on our website. Questions may be directed to cannabis.financing@maryland.gov.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
About the Office of Social Equity
The Office of Social Equity ensures diverse participation in Maryland’s cannabis market, provides resources and support for social equity applicants and licensees, and addresses the impact of past cannabis prohibition on communities through strategic programming, technical assistance, and community engagement. For more information, visit ose.maryland.gov.
