New Foundation to Provide Advocacy, Resources, and Funding to Advance Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals in the Cannabis Industry
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Women Grow announces the establishment of the Women Grow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equitable access to education, funding, and advocacy for women-owned, women-led, and allied businesses in the cannabis sector. The Foundation will officially launch at the Women Grow Summit opening day breakfast on Monday, February 17, at 8:00 AM, marking the beginning of a new initiative to support women in cannabis.
"The Women Grow Foundation is dedicated to empowering women in cannabis through strategic funding, mentorship, and policy advocacy," said Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow. "By addressing systemic barriers and providing targeted resources, we aim to create lasting change and meaningful opportunities for women at all stages of their careers and businesses."
As a founding supporter, Stearns Bank will present a $5,000 check at the launch event, reinforcing its commitment to advancing women in the cannabis industry. The breakfast event, held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, will highlight the Foundation's mission, programs, and initial funding commitments. The Women Grow Foundation will focus on advancing policy reform, economic empowerment, and professional development to build a more inclusive and sustainable industry.
Stearns Bank recognizes the critical need for financial support for women entrepreneurs, who currently receive only 3% of venture capital funding. Despite these disadvantages, female-founded ventures perform as well as male-founded ones. As a founding supporter of the Women Grow Foundation, Stearns Bank is committed to closing this funding gap and fostering economic opportunities for women in the cannabis industry.
"At Stearns Bank, we're committed to building a more inclusive financial services ecosystem where everyone can reach their full financial potential," said Helain Lewis, Community Development Consultant at Stearns Bank. "We are honored to support the Women Grow Foundation in its mission to provide resources, mentorship, and funding for female entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. By investing in women entrepreneurs, we are investing in a stronger, more equitable industry and strengthening communities nationwide."
Mission and Focus Areas : The Women Grow Foundation will operate under a yearly membership model, offering programs and initiatives in three key areas:
- Legalization & Policy Reform – Advocating for cannabis policy changes at the state and federal levels, supporting grassroots legislative efforts, and ensuring that diverse voices are represented in regulatory discussions.
- Entrepreneurship & Funding – Connecting women to grants, investors, and business development education to help them overcome financial barriers and establish successful businesses.
- Career Development – Providing professional training, mentorship, and job placement assistance to help women advance their careers in the cannabis industry.
Membership and Support
The Women Grow Foundation offers various membership tiers, providing benefits such as early access to funding opportunities, business development resources, advocacy training, and networking with industry leaders. Membership options range from Student Memberships ($79/year) to Corporate Memberships ($500/year), with additional leadership opportunities available through the Women Grow Circle Program ($1,000-$5,000/year).
The Foundation will receive funding through donations, memberships, foundations, and state and federal grant programs. Contributions from corporate sponsors and industry partners will support Women Grow Foundation's advocacy efforts and community initiatives. For those looking to contribute or get involved, additional sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available.
Get Involved
Women Grow Foundation welcomes individuals and businesses to join its mission by becoming members, donating, or supporting its initiatives.
To register for the Women Grow 2025 Leadership Summit, visit WomenGrow.com.
For more information or to request press credentials, please contact Shawna Seldon McGregor at 917-971-7852 or [email protected].
About the Women Grow 2025 Summit
The Women Grow Leadership Summit will unite industry leaders to educate, connect, and empower women to lead the future of cannabis legalization, through entrepreneurship, investing and funding, and career development. This dynamic global movement will harness the resilience of women and support cannabis legalization. Embrace lessons of leadership, by the cannabis leaders of today; learn the benefits and uses of cannabis and hemp; start your cannabis and hemp business now; and broaden career opportunities by exploring roles in the industry.
Media Contact
Shawna Seldon McGregor, Women Grow, 917-971-7852, [email protected], https://womengrow.com/
SOURCE Women Grow
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