Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Canna Founders Pitch Competition will be held on June 17, 2024, in New Brunswick, with a submission deadline of May 28, 2024.
- Cash prizes include $2,500 for the runner-up and $5,000 for the winner, with a further $25,000 available at a later event.
- Eligible participants include cannabis businesses with under $250,000 annual revenue, focused on diversity or minority ownership.
- Judging criteria will include competitive advantage, team capability, business viability, and scalability potential.
Event Details
Scheduled for June 17, 2024, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, in partnership with Curaleaf's Rooted In Good, will host the 2024 Canna Founders Pitch Competition.
ALSO READ: Cannabis and Tech Giants Converge at Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami
Per a news release, the event will allow diverse and minority-owned cannabis businesses to present their products and services to a panel of industry experts.
Prizes and Progression
Participants can win $2,500 as runner-up and $5,000 as winner. The top two finalists will also compete for an additional $25,000 during the Boston Cannabis Week's Rooted In Good Cannabis Demo Day on September 19.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The competition is open to cannabis businesses already marketing a product or service with annual revenues not exceeding $250,000. Applicants must qualify as diverse or minority-owned. Selection will be based on the business's competitive edge, team strength, market viability, and scalability.
Strategic Impact
This competition is a critical platform for cannabis entrepreneurs to secure visibility, connect with industry leaders, and potentially gain funding to scale their operations. It aims to enhance diversity and innovation within the industry.
Why We Care
The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference and its 2024 Canna Founders Pitch Competition are vital for driving innovation and investment in the rapidly growing cannabis industry. Such events are critical as they offer unique platforms for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to investors and industry leaders.
The global cannabis market is projected to expand significantly, fueled by increasing legalization and mainstream acceptance across various consumer sectors.
The event is particularly significant for its focus on minority-owned businesses, providing them visibility and access to capital and strategic guidance. This focus is essential in an industry where such groups have traditionally been underrepresented. The conference supports these entrepreneurs and contributes to a more diverse and equitable cannabis market.
[Image via Benzinga]