Opportunity Grows Cannabis Accelerator Series
A Free & Remote Accelerator Program Launched on May 3, 2022
The forefront of a growing industry OG Cannabis Accelerator Series
The Opportunity Grows Cannabis Accelerator is a free four-week remote learning series that will provide entrepreneurs with introductory training on key business issues as a first step toward entering New York’s adult-use cannabis market.
Participants will hear from leaders in the industry and learn how to utilize the ‘Business Model Canvas’ – a strategic planning tool used to develop and refine business plans – to launch their own startups. Participants who complete the entire program will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment.
This highly specialized series is sponsored by the Koffman Incubator and Opportunity Grows.
Gain Key Connections Network with Industry Leaders
Complimenting the business education component of the series, participants will hear from leading industry executives to learn more about their entrepreneurial journeys and gain valuable insights into the particular challenges and opportunities that come with operating a licensed cannabis business in New York.
At the end of the series, participants will gain exclusive access to resources, networking events and pitch opportunities at the Koffman Incubator.
Supporting Social Equity
The OG Accelerator series is open to New Yorkers of all backgrounds. Individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition or who qualify as minority or women-owned businesses, distressed farmers, or service-disabled veterans are encouraged to register.
Accessable Program With Real Results
- Complete a robust Business Model Canvas
- Learn Fundraising and financial requirements
- Discover NYS cannabis Law/regulatory environment
- Understand financial basics, budgets, and financials
- Learn branding, marketing, social media, and website creation
- Improve on negotiating deals, corporate structure, & Employment law
- Gain industry-specific knowledge
- Improve chances of license acceptance and sustainability
Register Today to Secure your Space
Session #1 – Completed – watch recording here
Session #2 – Completed – watch recording here
Session #3 – 05/17/22
Session #4 – 05/24/22
*Zoom links will be sent prior to each session
All Sessions take place from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST
Participant Testimonials
Common Questions:
The OG Accelerator accepts applicants from across the country. Social Equity applicants from communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition or who qualify as minority or women-owned businesses, distressed farmers, or service-disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. Eligibility questions should be directed to Eric Krohn at ekrohn@binghamton.edu.
The OG Accelerator series is free. Funding and support for this series comes from Koffman Incubator and Opportunity Grows.
For those participants that attend the 4 sessions and submit a Business Model Canvas the OG Accelerator will offer a Certificate of Accomplishment which can be used on social media, LinkedIn and for their future applications.
The OG Accelerator will run every Tuesday for the first four weeks of May. Each session will take place from 5:30pm-7:30pm.
- Session 1: 05/03/22
- Session 2: 05/10/22
- Session 3: 05/17/22
- Session 4: 05/24/22
The OG Accelerator will run every Tuesday for the first four weeks of May. Each session will take place from 5:30pm-7:30pm.
- Session 1: 05/03/22
- Session 2: 05/10/22
- Session 3: 05/17/22
- Session 4: 05/24/22
Featuring Prominent Industry Leaders
Ngiste Abebe
Vice President of Public Policy
Columbia Care
Eric Greenbaum
Chief Science Officer
Goodness Growth Holdings
Jeanne Mariani Sullivan
Chief Investment Officer
Arcview Ventures
Akele Parnell
Head of Equity Partnerships
Lantern
Ari Hoffnung
Founder
Opportunity Grows
Jeremy Unruh
Senior Vice President,
Public and Regulatory Affairs
PharmaCann
Bryan Murray
EVP of Government Relations
Acreage Holdings
Ethan Anderson
SVP of Marketing
iAnthus
Nikki Kateman
Political & Communications Director
Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW
Liz Krueger
New York State Senator
28th District
Peter Prevot, CPA, CIA
Chief Operating Officer
Bridge West Consulting
Franklin Henderson
Social Equity Committee
NY Cannabis Growers & Processors Association
Aashna Satija, Pharm.D
Consultant
Bridge West Consulting
About the Koffman Incubator
The Koffman Southern Tier incubator is a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Binghamton, NY that provides key resources to entrepreneurs developing successful startups. The Koffman’s 60+ members connect and collaborate throughout 35,000 sq. ft. of offices, laboratories and co-working space. Binghamton University’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships offers numerous programs to guide business growth and development.
About Opportunity Grows
Opportunity Grows was founded by New York cannabis industry veteran Ari Hoffnung to help cannabis entrepreneurs succeed. Ari has been involved in New York’s legal cannabis industry since 2014, served as the Chief Executive Officer of two New York cannabis companies and founded the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association.
Experienced Support
- Eric serves as the Director of Business Incubation Program at the Koffman Incubator which is managed by Binghamton University’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships (E&IP).
- A serial entrepreneur, founder of a half dozen companies, Eric leverages his experience, connections and creative thinking to support entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. Eric specializes in hemp startup mentorship, having advised numerous successful ventures.
New Sponsor Opportunities
Special Thanks to these
Series Supporters
Additional Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Session #1 Recording: 05/03/22 | Link |
| Session #2 Recording: 05/10/22 | Link |
| New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association Social Equity Study | Link |
| New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association Economic Revenue Study | Link |
| Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) Legislation | Link |
| Koffman Business Model Canvas (PowerPoint Version) | Link |
| Koffman Business Model Canvas (PDF Version) | Link |
| Customer Archetype Profile | Link |
| Cornell Survey | Link |
| Arcview Cannabis Sector Resource List | Link |