Illinois DCEO announces technical assistance programs to support social equity applicants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced technical assistance programs to help social equity applicants. The effort is made to pave the way for the applicants seeking entrance to the cannabis industry. Three partner organizations of the DCEO will get funds from the department to provide technical assistance.

These organizations will provide assistance to the business by coaching and mentoring them related to business planning, financing, and best practices in the cannabis industry. These three selected organizations include Teague International Corporation, Chicago NORML, and Oakton Community College.

The department has introduced a new application to facilitate the social equity applicants in terms of getting dispensary, infuser, craft grower, and transporter licenses. These licenses are necessary for getting low-interest loans from financial organizations to support the startups and ongoing cannabis businesses.

Toi Hutchinson, the senior advisor to Gov. Pritzker for cannabis control, said, “The Pritzker administration is committed to ensuring this new cannabis industry is fair and equitable.” Hutchinson showed her commitment towards providing new opportunities to the communities that were hit badly by the failed War on Drugs in the past. The steps of providing technical assistance and low-interest loans are perfect examples in this regard.

The applicants who are looking to get infuser, transportation, and craft grower licenses will be assisted through these technical assistance programs. The government will give $500000 to three organizations that will provide technical assistance. March 16, 2020, is the due date for the applications and the assistance will be provided before this date. Erin Guthrie, the director of the DCEO, said, “DCEO is providing specialized assistance to social equity applicants so they will be able to fully reap the benefits of legalized cannabis.”