Suncrafted Cannabis Business Idea Pitch Contest Details and Timeline of Events
Suncrafted has once again teamed with With Samia Walker of Mansa Consultants with an event designed to breathe life to the ideas of motivated entrepreneurs who wish to launch a business in the cannabis industry, and live in an area of disproportionate impact from the ‘war on drugs.’ Thousands of individuals and families have endured setbacks from cannabis prohibition, so as a licensed cannabis business, this is our small part in righting those wrongs. Tim McNamara, President of Suncrafted is himself a social equity member to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s program, so this contest is an important part of the Company’s mission.
Application Deadline: March 21 – Complete the Pitch Contest Application HERE.
Prepare for your Pitch
 | You may have heard about the contest kickoff event, an industry panel discussion, where a group of professionals in the licensed industry shared challenges they’re facing today, and the needs of the future. This was held to help our contestants better frame their pitch. If you missed it we have some good news! You can catch the recording here. |
Startup consultant Samia Walker is also holding office hours EVERY FRIDAY until the application deadline. Please reach out to her at samia@mansaconsultants.com, and schedule an in-person or virtual meeting between the hours of 9am & 2pm on Fridays if you want to chat or run through your pitch with her.
Pitch Contest to Be Held in Middleborough on 4/17
The contest itself will be held at 3pm on Thursday, April 17th at The Grove in Middleborough near the Suncrafted Dispensary, just off Exit 8 on I-495. Refreshments and snacks will be served, and our contestants will finally get the chance to share their dreams! Please read below for some of the innovative and promising awards that our applicants will be shooting for.
Pitch Contest Awards & Prizes
1st Prize – Accelerator Practicum (6 months)
Awarded to a participant that will likely advance a business idea, or resolve a market need, through working with the team, facility or equipment and resources at the Holistic Health Group facility. Examples may, but need not, include working with any one or several of the following fields: Micropropagation, Cultivation, Manufacturing, Information Technology, Electronics & Controls, Manufacturing & Culinary, Supply Chain/Inventory, Sales & Marketing. The Accelerator Participant should expect to be on site once per week for 3 months as follows:
Month 1: Business concept exploration: Identify the business idea & 6 month accelerator project goal with HHG team, develop budget, conduct SWOT & audience analyses, and assemble 6 month project timeline. Cannabis cannot be handled directly by the Participant during this period.
Months 2-3: Project build period: Create product or service, execute placement in the market, establish cost & pricing structures, create promotional plan. Continue audience research & refine the offering for communication to audience.
Months 4-6: Continued project support where possible, monthly check-ins for progress reports, brainstorming & recommendations.
HHG Accelerator Program Support Commitments:
- Background check & initial agent registration costs.
- Ideation & Product Launch Plan Assist.*
- Once per week apprenticeship at HHG in department(s) relevant to project goal.
- Marketing contribution (e.g. 1 Suncrafted hosted post per month, unlimited IG stories; How It’s Made Video; other related materials as appropriate).
- Promotion by HHG with dispensary shelf space, sales & distribution campaigns, professional networking, participation at related industry events etc.
- Matching % on packaging printing costs
- 15% royalty to Participant on all profits from income/sales of product or service.
*All related IP & business materials belong to Participant at end of practicum, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by HHG & Participant.
Entrepreneur Participant Commitments:
- Follow all Company policies & management guidance.
- Learn, understand & follow all State laws & regulations.
- Assist co-workers in maintaining a clean & productive workplace.
- Be mindful of & abide by Company time & attendance expectations.
2nd Prize – $1000 grant to Entrepreneur
3rd Prize – $50 gift card & Suncrafted swag bag.
Past Winners:
Henry Funchess
