West Cook News

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced the launch of CannaBiz Pathways, a free advising program aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. The initiative is designed to provide cohort-based learning, webinars, and one-on-one business advising for those starting or operating cannabis businesses in Cook County.

The program is funded by the Cook County Equity Fund and builds on feedback from applicants to the 2024 Cook County Cannabis Development Grant. That grant provided financial support to local State of Illinois Social Equity License holders.

“The CannaBiz Pathways program will provide customized guidance for cannabis entrepreneurs, including in-depth assistance regarding compliance, taxes, promotion and more,” said President Preckwinkle. “As they navigate the challenges of opening and getting established in an emerging sector, Cook County is committed to ensuring they benefit from the economic opportunities and tailored advising that will position them for success.”

The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) will administer CannaBiz Pathways. The program includes two six-week cohorts focused on key aspects of the regulated cannabis industry such as market research, customer segmentation, sales strategies, marketing strategies, financial skills, regulations and compliance, and operations management. These cohorts are open to all cannabis-license holders in Cook County.

“In a complex industry like cannabis, education serves as the foundation for compliance, credibility and long-term success,” said WBDC President and CEO Erica Kuhlmann. “It also helps entrepreneurs build informed communities that can thrive together in a growing industry.”

Participants will have access to virtual classes and self-paced online training modules including Responsible Vendor Training (RVT). The first cohort will run weekly from October 7 through November 18, 2025. Registration closes on October 1 with space limited to 25 participants; a second cohort is scheduled for early 2026.

To supplement the curriculum, WBDC will offer monthly webinars or virtual workshops led by subject matter experts covering topics such as banking, human resources, accounting and tax law. While webinars are open to all interested parties, workshops are reserved for licensed cannabis operators in Cook County. The first webinar takes place on September 25 and focuses on aligning impact with compliance.

CannaBiz Pathways also features one-on-one advising sessions offering personalized guidance tailored to individual business goals for local license holders.

Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry supported the Cannabis Development Grant initiative and welcomed this new effort: "This groundbreaking initiative embodies our dedication to equity, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic vitality in the rapidly expanding cannabis industry," said Commissioner Lowry. "Through comprehensive advising, peer cohort learning and expert-led workshops, we are equipping entrepreneurs with the financial literacy, compliance strategies and business acumen necessary to succeed in this highly regulated field. These resources are offered at no cost to participants, ensuring that Cook County-based cannabis businesses are not left behind but are instead positioned to compete, innovate and thrive. This program is not simply a training series; it is a transformative pathway that strengthens our local economy, creates sustainable opportunities and reaffirms our commitment to fairness and innovation across Cook County.”

In 2024 alone, $3.6 million was distributed among 40 Social Equity License holders through county grants aimed at helping cover startup costs for local cannabis businesses. This year up to ten additional eligible entrepreneurs who applied previously but were not selected will receive grant awards.

For more information about CannaBiz Pathways or registration details for upcoming cohorts visit wbdc.org/en/cook-county-cannabiz-pathways/.

About the Women's Business Development Center

The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 that provides programs supporting business development with an emphasis on women but serving all business owners.