The City of Sacramento’s Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity (CORE) program hosted its latest networking event on May 2 at Sequoia at the Cannery in Sacramento. 

More than 70 people attended the ENCORE mixer, which celebrated the contributions of CORE program participants in the cannabis industry and highlighted the program’s efforts to promote equity in the industry.  

“The ENCORE mixer provided a valuable platform for members of the cannabis community to network and exchange insights,” said Davina Smith, who heads the City’s Office of Cannabis Management. “We are committed to supporting the CORE program’s mission to advance equity and reinvestment within this industry. Our ongoing efforts aim to create equal opportunities for all individuals to succeed in this dynamic market.”

Attendees enjoyed appetizers by Chef Aimal Formoli and non-alcoholic beverages from Burly’s Beverages as they mingled with fellow CORE program members and learned more about how CORE is helping to level the playing field in the local cannabis industry. 

One of the event’s highlights was a presentation by Nathan Spradlin of FutureNow. Spradlin offered insights and firsthand experiences on fundamental business principles, providing attendees an understanding of the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship. Attendees were also given the opportunity to engage in a workshop focused on transforming business ideas into actionable ventures. 

The CORE program provides training, technical and financial assistance, and other guidance to individuals and communities who have faced barriers in starting cannabis businesses due to past uneven enforcement of cannabis-related crimes. The CORE program’s goal is to ensure that those who have been most impacted by the criminalization of cannabis have access to opportunities in the legal cannabis industry. 

To learn more about the CORE program, please visit sacramentocore.org.