Black CannaBusiness CEO Intensive Partners with Parallel on National Education Series

Multi-City Cannabis-focused CEO Intensive, Launches its Midwest Cohort 

CHICAGO, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Black CannaBusiness (BCB) and Parallel are collaborating on a national education series aimed at CEOs of color in the cannabis industry. The Black Cannabusiness CEO Intensive Program is a free, six-week, executive training program for cannabis business owners, featuring both virtual and in-person workshops and training. The initiative began with a Northeast cohort in Boston on 4/20 of this year and is now heading to Chicago to work with entrepreneurs from the Midwest.

Minority cannabis business owners will participate in a two-day in-person session with cannabis founders and professionals, completing structured exercises and receiving expert mentorship from leading subject matter experts and practitioners in the industry. 

Developed by Brandon L. Wyatt Esq. and Todd Hughes, Co-founders of the BCB CEO Intensive, the curriculum draws on the experiences of advisors and business leaders in the industry from across the country. In addition to the two-day intensive in-person session, the course also includes twice-a-week virtual training sessions, providing robust tools to catapult minority owners to the next level. 

An instructor in the program, Todd Hughes says access to knowledge is fundamental for new business owners in the space. "Increasing BIPOC ownership in cannabis is what we, the BCB Team stands for. The goal is to provide each cohort with access to foundational knowledge, a network, and the capital needed to excel in business. We are already seeing the seeds that we've planted in the Northeast cohort beginning to bear fruit," said Hughes.

With their 'hands-on' industry experience and advocacy, BCB Instructors understand the barriers to entry for cannabis business owners. With the personalized and open format learning process, program participants will increase their knowledge and real-world application.

"It is one thing to seek a cannabis business education, but one focused on minority executives is unique and vital. Learning styles are important, and these minority business owners and executives deserve to have minority facilitators like the BCB team to provide a pathway to success as they define their business", said Brandon L. Wyatt Esq.

Partnering with a multi-state cannabis company like Parallel provides an extra level of industry insight for entrepreneurs. Additionally, this paring is a unique way to increase participation in the industry through access and business connections.

"Members of the Northeast cohort are continuing to enhance their expertise virtually, while the Midwest cohort kicks off in person in Chicago. It's encouraging to tap into each region and watch the collaboration of an established cannabis operator and BCB become a growth engine that drives minority business ownership success in the cannabis industry," said James Jackson, Senior Director of Social Equity at Parallel.

The programming for the Midwest cohort also includes a panel discussion moderated by Kiana Hughes, Executive Director at Chicago NORML, on June 24th. With a focus on the Illinois market, "it's time for us to go beyond basic theoretical discussions about the concept of social equity and move on to practical solutions that enable those disproportionately affected to be full, thriving participants in the industry," Hughes said. "This CEO Intensive does just that, and Chicago NORML is proud to be a supporter and participant."

Following a panel discussion there will be an advocacy awards ceremony and celebration of the Midwest cohort.

WHAT: Panel discussion, mixer, and celebration
WHERE: Chemistry Hyde Park, 5121 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
WHEN: June 24th, 2022
TIME: 5pm-9pm
RSVP: Guests are encouraged to RSVP for free entry at https://bit.ly/MidwestMixer

Parallel is a privately held, vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis company with a mission to pioneer well-being and improve the quality of life through cannabinoids. Parallel has ongoing operations in five medical and adult-use markets under the retail brands of Surterra Wellness in Florida; goodblend in Texas and in Pennsylvania; New England Treatment Access (NETA) in Massachusetts; and a joint venture with the Cookies retail brand in Nevada. Parallel offers a diverse portfolio of high quality, proprietary and licensed consumer brands and products including Surterra Wellness, Float and Heights. Parallel operates 50 store locations, and cultivation and manufacturing sites nationwide. Parallel follows rigorous operational and business practices to ensure the quality, safety, consistency, and efficacy of its products and follows values that put the well-being of its customers and employees first. Find more information at www.liveparallel.com, or on Instagram and LinkedIn.

 Black CannaBusiness programming is a cross-discipline diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative for the Cannabis industry. The Black CannaBusiness CEO Intensive program offers executive MBA level training, mentorship, and community to BIPOC cannabusiness entrepreneurs 1–3 years into their business and exposes companies to diverse next-gen brands in a world that thrives on innovation, culture, and community. For more information visit, https://blackcannabusiness.com/ceo-intensive/

SOURCE Parallel