NYC Cannabis Retailer's Accelerator Program Will Support Black-Owned Brands

NEW YORK CITY — A female-lead cannabis brand based in New York City has announced the launch of a new business accelerator program designed to support growth-stage Black-owned cannabis brands.

The Gotham Growth Project will focus on Black-owned businesses operating in the city, providing founders with the structure, strategic guidance, and industry access needed to scale up their respective businesses.

Future cohorts will expand to additional underserved communities.

"Too many founders from underserved communities are expected to navigate growth on their own after clearing the hardest barriers to entry," Kenny Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of Gotham, told Patch. "GGP is about meeting founders when the stakes are high, the margins are tight, and the next decisions matter most. This program is designed to help brands move from traction to scalability. The mission of GGP is to turn diverse visions into success."

The six-session program is open to founders based in New York City's five boroughs, Westchester County, and Long Island who are already selling products through licensed dispensaries, retail partners, or regulated marketplaces.

The new program blends expert instruction, peer collaboration, and practical assignments to help founders tackle real-world growth challenges—from retail readiness and operations to financial strategy and expansion planning.

The accelerator curriculum includes six core focus areas:

• Brand foundation and positioning
• Product development and regulatory alignment
• Operations and sales strategy
• Retail readiness and partnerships
• Financial planning and capital preparedness
• Storytelling, pitching, and executive presence

To support long-term business development beyond the program, Gotham will host a series of Masterclasses following the completion of the six sessions.

Eligible applicants must be at least 51% Black-owned and operated, have been in business for a year or more, and currently have at least one product on the market. Qualified product categories include THC and CBD offerings such as flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, gummies, concentrates, tinctures, and topicals.

The program will conclude with a live pitch showcase at The Highrise, Gotham's semi-annual leadership salon produced in partnership with Cultivated Media, in October 2026.

Applications are now open and close March 11 at 5 p.m. For full program details or to apply, visit: gotham.nyc/gotham-growth-project/