LA County Social Equity Entrepreneurship Academy
Cohort‑Based Courses Designed to Equip Entrepreneurs with Core Business Fundamentals and Cannabis Industry Insights
Social Equity Entrepreneurship Academy
Overview
As part of the Economic Mobility Initiative, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) and its Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) have launched a Cannabis Social Equity Entrepreneurship Academy for entrepreneurs interested in opening a retail or delivery cannabis business in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County.
The Academy is a no-cost, six‑week cohort that provides education and training for those looking to start or grow a small business, with a special focus on the unique complexities of operating within the cannabis industry. This initiative is part of Los Angeles County’s broader effort to expand access to education, information, and potential future commercial cannabis opportunities—particularly for individuals disproportionately impacted by past cannabis laws and criminalization. The program equips participants with the information they need to determine whether pursuing cannabis retail opportunities is right for them and underscores LA County’s commitment to equity, economic mobility, and community reinvestment as it continues to develop its regulated cannabis framework.
For application assistance or questions, contact ICON CDC at info@iconcdc.org or 818‑616‑4118.
Upcoming Cohort Dates:
- Cohort 1: Jun. 2, 2026 ~ Jul. 14, 2026
- Cohort 2: Jul. 15, 2026 ~ Aug. 26, 2026
- Cohort 3: Aug. 27, 2026 ~ Oct. 8, 2026
- Cohort 4: Oct. 12, 2026 ~ Nov. 19, 2026
Cannabis Social Equity Entrepreneurship Academy Benefits
The Cannabis Entrepreneurship Academy provides comprehensive training and hands-on technical assistance to help participants build strong business foundations and prepare for opportunities in the regulated cannabis industry. Participants receive individualized guidance through one-on-one counseling, business planning support, and mentorship designed to help them navigate the path toward cannabis entrepreneurship and Social Equity Program opportunities.
Classes are held once per week for three hours in the evening and are available both in person and via Zoom for added flexibility.
Business Basics Education and Technical Assistance
Participants receive foundational business training essential for launching and operating a successful business, including:
- Budget and financial management
- Human resources administration
- Accessing capital and funding opportunities
- Business planning and licensing preparation
- Marketing strategy and brand development
- Business operations
- Developing and refining a business model
- Legal and compliance basics
- Business pitch development
Cannabis Retail Industry Education and Technical Assistance
Participants also receive industry-specific training tailored to the regulated cannabis market, including:
- California cannabis regulations for retail and delivery operations
- Compliance and regulatory requirements
- Cannabis business financing and capital access
- Real estate and site selection considerations
- Risk mitigation and common industry pitfalls
- Mentorship and guidance for prospective social equity applicants
Program Impact Goals
Participants will be empowered to:
- Build essential business and cannabis industry knowledge
- Evaluate readiness to enter the cannabis industry
- Develop viable business concepts and growth strategies
- Strengthen readiness for social equity licensing opportunities
- Reduce risk through informed business preparation
- Support equitable participation in the regulated cannabis market
- Contribute to a transparent and inclusive local cannabis economy
About the County’s Regulated Commercial Cannabis Industry
Los Angeles County is implementing a proposed equitable commercial cannabis framework for unincorporated areas of the County as directed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in a February 2022 motion. Commercial cannabis activities are not currently permitted in unincorporated Los Angeles County, and any future commercial cannabis activities would be subject to future Board approval and ordinance adoption. The Cannabis Social Equity Entrepreneurship Academy represents an early education and readiness effort connected to this broader work.
To learn more about the County’s proposed framework and ongoing program development efforts, visit the Office of Cannabis Management at cannabis.lacounty.gov.
Social Equity Program
As part of the County’s proposed equitable commercial cannabis framework, the OCM s developing a Social Equity Program to help address the harms caused by past cannabis laws and criminalization consistent with the intent of California’s Cannabis Equity Act (SB 1294). The proposed program aims to expand access and participation in the regulated cannabis marketplace for individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by prior cannabis enforcement policies.
Learn about the County’s proposed Social Equity Program at cannabis.lacounty.gov.
Participation in the Academy does not guarantee future licensure, eligibility, selection, or priority status under any future County program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Partners
