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Women-Focused Cannabis Accelerator Launches in Oregon   

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[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]I[/dropcap]t’s crucial that the cannabis industry remains a progressive space. The Initiative, the first cannabis business accelerator program specifically for women cannabis entrepreneurs and executives, has officially commenced its first intensive three-month program in an effort to uphold that fight.

The Initiative—based in Portland, Oregon—was founded by cannabis lawyer Amy Margolis after she noticed a startling trend: More often than not she was the only woman in cannabis-spaces. Her mission with the Initiative is to ensure participants are investment ready by teaching them advanced corporate and business skill sets while working with each startup to launch their products and brand nationally.

“The Initiative has brought in our first cohort. While primarily focused on consumer packaged goods, we have also brought on a device company and tech-event platform,” Margolis said. “After completing the first week, it is clear that the participants are driven, enthusiastic and ambitious. They have engaged in the content heavy programming and are starting to develop symbiotic relationships with each other—which is exactly what we want to see. We are looking forward to getting each of these businesses investment ready by the end.”

There are nine early-stage cannabis companies in the first program and each business is looking to raise $250,000 to $1 million for their next stage of development. The program will conclude with the startups pitching to potential investors for further funding.

The Initiative is co-facilitated by Robin Jones-Maloney and a group of expert educators. Sponsors include: New York-based cannabis operator iAnthus Capital; Oregon-based dispensary Hotbox Farms; Oregon-based law firm Miller Nash; and Oregon-based dispensary Nectar.

The following is a list of the companies and founders in training:

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