Grow Tech Labs Establishes Dedicated Program for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
In an effort to create a more inclusive cannabis industry, Vancouver-based Grow Tech Labs (GTL) has established a dedicated program for Indigenous entrepreneurs, as part of an Accelerating Cannabis Innovation Program starting this January.
To help reaffirm BC’s status as a global cannabis capital for excellence and innovation, GTL will provide direct investment, access to capital, mentorship and licensed space to locate innovative cannabis start-ups in BC. In addition to delivering world-class programs for participants and attracting international investment, a dedicated programming stream will be established for Indigenous founded and/or owned companies.
“We want to help create a more diverse, inclusive and, ultimately, stronger cannabis industry. We are looking for innovative solutions and believe that Indigenous entrepreneurs are an important resource to help us achieve our goals of creating a more prosperous and sustainable industry,” said GTL CEO Barinder Rasode.
To help foster and promote diversity, the Grow Tech Labs’ Accelerating Cannabis Innovation Program will:
ensure at least 20 per cent of program participants in the first year are either founded or owned by Indigenous entrepreneurs
include housing and child care allowances in the cannabis accelerator program package for participants who require assistance
require program participants to sign a code of conduct that promotes diversity and inclusion
support recruitment and procurement strategies to advance diversity goals
build on partnerships with community, government, business and education organizations that assist Indigenous entrepreneurs
establish Indigenous representation on GTLs Project Advisory Group
“We want to connect with Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country. One of our primary goals is to create diversity in the early stages of the cannabis industry, to create equal opportunity for everyone in our community,” says Rasode.
Earlier this month, GTL announced a dedicated funding stream for women entrepreneurs and they’ve been extremely successful with receiving female applicants.
For more information about GTL, please visit www.growtechlabs.com.
Contact Information: Nicole Murphy Public Relations 778 378 8707 nicole@growtechlabs.com