Illinois Hemp Grant Competition
Chicago NORML & Midwest Hemp Coalition Launch Illinois First Grant Competition for Women Minority Hemp Entrepreneurs!
The countdown to the competition and the opening of online submissions began on Saturday, August 15th. Applications accepted no later than September 15th.
The Illinois Hemp Grant helps promote small and emerging hemp-based businesses to grow and expand their products or services to diverse demographics.
The purpose of the Grant is to increase awareness and participation in the hemp industry in Illinois. Hemp is quietly creating waves in the fields of medicine, textiles, and construction. Federally legal with a lower barrier of entry, It is more affordable for members of disproportionately impacted areas to create business opportunities for themselves and their community if they are properly educated and given the opportunity.
There are two weeks left to submit an application.
Start the process | Visit ILHempGrant.com for more information.
Eligibility
Your primary business must be based in the state of Illinois, be an established business at minimum of six months, and you must have professional staffing (paid or volunteer.) You must be 21 years of age or older.
Culivators
Farmers
Processors
Infusers
Hemp Supporting Ancillary Businesses
Participation & Judging
There are two rounds to the competition.
In the first round participants will be asked to complete an initial application evaluation along with a 3 minute Youtube video.
Then they will be judged based on the quality of their idea and overall professionalism.
Winners from round one will pitch their idea live via Zoom to a panel of industry judges.
Judges will score round two contestants based on the Business Plan Evaluation:
Potential of their business impact
Feasibility
Leverage of Resources
Read the full Rules at ILHempGrant.com for video submission guidelines, tips, judging process, & more helpful hemp info on how to get started.
The group with the highest amount of points will win:
One Year of Legal Assistance
The winner will receive one year of legal services to assist with legal documents, permits, and application forms.
One Year of Marketing Services
One year of marketing services provided by AV Social Strategies; services include assisting with creating a marketing strategy and/or materials.
One Year of Accounting Service
Accounting services provided by Mueller, A certified public accountant. These services include accounting advice and money management
One Year of Licensing Fees
The winner will also receive one year of licensing application fees paid and a Hemp 101 class for 2 of their staff members.
Photo by Laryssa Suaid from Pexels
Are you a lawyer or legal office and would like to sponsor or volunteer your services?
Are you a current hemp manufacturer, processor, or cultivator & would like the opportunity to sponsor?
Reach out to info@midwesthempcoalition.com and get involved by supporting and enhancing the hemp industry!
Photo by Binoid CBD from Pexels
“We are really excited to partner with the Midwest Hemp Coalition to bring this information and opportunity to our community.”
— Edie Moore, Executive Director of Chicago NORML
Check out Edie and Kalee discuss the hemp competition winner prizes!!!
To learn more about the rules, registry process or submit an application visit ILHempGrant.com.