Cannabiz: Business incubator for social justice and equity in the emerging legal cannabis industry 2023

June 16, 2023
The Cannabiz Legacy team uncovered a significant opportunity to promote social equity within the cannabis industry, particularly for legacy operators or veterans who have operated in the illegal sector and face challenges such as educational gaps, limited opportunities, and discrimination. To address this pressing need, our project aims to establish an innovative incubator space that offers a comprehensive toolkit to help them start a business and address the emotional challenges they face as entrepreneurs and their intertwined stories with the cannabis industry.

Cannabiz Legacy aims to bridge the gap between the new legal cannabis opportunities and the communities most impacted by the war on drugs in New York. By applying design thinking methodologies and business principles, we can empower cannabis entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to navigate the complex industry landscape they encounter daily.

To achieve our purpose, we have taken a pragmatic approach by partnering with Canna Bronx, a respected organization at the forefront of advocating for cannabis communities’ rights. This strategic collaboration allows us to align our efforts with an established entity that shares our vision and possesses industry expertise. By combining our resources and knowledge, we can develop a realistic and effective implementation strategy tailored to the unique needs of cannabis veterans.

Through our incubator space and comprehensive toolkits, we aim to empower individuals in the cannabis industry by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to overcome legal and operational challenges. By fostering entrepreneurship and promoting industry growth, our project has the potential to create a lasting positive impact on individuals and the wider community.

Studio Instructor
Brett Barndt

Designers
Maria Altet
Dana Duarte Hernandez
Priyum Macwana