• WA State Cannabis Social Equity Program

    Mentor Application

  • Become an Approved Mentor for the FY 2027 Cannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance and Grant Program!


    Thank you for your interest in becoming an Approved Mentor for the Washington State Cannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance and Grant Program (CSEP).

    The Cannabis Social Equity Program is designed to help eligible Social Equity Applicants (SEAs) successfully establish, open, operate, and sustain licensed cannabis retail businesses throughout Washington State. The Program combines technical assistance, mentorship, and reimbursement grants to reduce barriers to entry while promoting long-term business success.

    Experienced professionals play a critical role in helping Social Equity Applicants navigate the complex process of opening and operating a cannabis business. The Mentor Program connects SEAs with qualified subject matter experts who can provide practical, cannabis-specific guidance at each stage of their business journey.

    Purpose of the Mentor Application


    To ensure that Social Equity Applicants receive high-quality, knowledgeable, and experienced technical assistance, all mentors and technical assistance providers must be approved by the Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) and Booth Management Consulting (BMC) before providing reimbursable services under the Program.

    Commerce has established qualification standards to ensure that only experienced, ethical, and contractually compliant professionals are authorized to provide technical assistance under the Cannabis Social Equity Program. These standards help:

    • Protect the integrity of the Program;
    • Ensure responsible stewardship of public funds;
    • Prevent duplicate or unauthorized funding;
    • Promote consistent, high-quality technical assistance statewide;
    • Ensure compliance with Program Guidelines and Commerce requirements; and
    • Protect Social Equity Applicants by matching them with qualified professionals.

    Only mentors who successfully complete the application and review process will be added to the FY 2027 Approved Mentor Roster.

    The FY 2027 Mentorship Initiative

    For FY 2027, Commerce has redesigned the Mentor Program to support the Five-Phase Technical Assistance Initiative, which aligns technical assistance with each Social Equity Applicant's current stage of business development.

    Rather than assigning mentors based solely on professional discipline, mentors will be matched according to the applicant's business readiness, technical assistance needs, and current milestone.

    The FY 2027 initiative consists of two program tracks.



    How the Mentor Program Works
    Booth Management Consulting (BMC), serving as the Program Administrator on behalf of Commerce, coordinates and administers the statewide Mentor Program.

    BMC is responsible for:

    • Maintaining and continuously updating the statewide Approved Mentor Roster with qualified mentors and subject matter experts who support all five phases of the FY 2027 Program.
    • Matching Social Equity Applicants with mentors based on their current Technical Assistance Plan, business readiness, technical assistance needs, location status, lease status, and anticipated opening timeline.
    • Coordinating mentor-led technical assistance sessions that support applicants through location identification, LOI development, lease negotiations, licensing, build-out, opening, and ongoing business operations.
    • Monitoring mentor engagement, applicant progress, deliverables, and outcomes to ensure technical assistance remains timely, practical, measurable, and aligned with Program goals.
    • Confirming that mentors comply with all Commerce requirements, including reporting, invoicing, insurance, confidentiality, conflict of interest, and related-party requirements.
    • Evaluating mentor and applicant feedback and recommending improvements that strengthen the effectiveness of the FY 2027 Technical Assistance Initiative.

    Every mentor assignment will be coordinated by BMC and aligned with the applicant's:

    Individualized Technical Assistance Plan;

    Current Five-Phase Milestone;

    • Business readiness;
    • Immediate technical assistance needs; and
    • Overall project timeline.


    Mentor Responsibilities


    Approved mentors are expected to provide professional, objective, and practical guidance within their approved area(s) of expertise.

    Mentors should:

    • Deliver high-quality technical assistance.
    • Share practical industry knowledge and experience.
    • Support applicants in achieving specific program milestones.
    • Maintain professional communications.
    • Document services provided.
    • Participate in periodic program evaluations when requested.
    • Maintain all required licenses and professional credentials.
    • Notify BMC of any material changes affecting eligibility.
    • Protect confidential applicant information.
    • Comply with all Commerce policies and Program Guidelines.

    Important Program Requirements

    All mentorship services must be coordinated through Booth Management Consulting and approved by Commerce before services are provided.

    Approved mentors may not:

    • Independently approve technical assistance services.
    • Approve grant applications.
    • Approve reimbursement requests.
    • Commit or obligate Program funds.
    • Guarantee grant awards or reimbursements.
    • Determine applicant eligibility.
    • Perform services that create an actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest.
    • Participate in any activity that violates the Program's Conflict of Interest or
    • Related-Party Policies.
    • Bill applicants directly for services authorized under the Program unless specifically approved by Commerce.
    • All mentorship activities must be documented in the applicant's file and may be reviewed by Commerce as part of program monitoring, reimbursement review, quality assurance, reporting, or evaluation of FY 2027 Program outcomes.

    Required Application Documents
    Please have the following information available before beginning this application.

    Applicants must submit:

    • Completed Mentor Application
    • Professional résumé, CV, capability statement, or statement of qualifications
    • Description of relevant professional experience
    • Description of proposed technical assistance services
    • Three professional references
    • Copies of professional licenses, registrations, or certifications (if applicable)
    • Geographic service area(s)
    • Service delivery methods (Virtual, In-Person, or Hybrid)
    • Proposed hourly billing rate
    • Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    • Related-Party Disclosure
    • Applicant Certification

    Commerce or BMC may request additional information during the review process.


    Application Review Process

    Applications are evaluated to determine whether applicants possess the education, experience, professional qualifications, technical expertise, and demonstrated ability necessary to provide quality technical assistance to Social Equity Applicants.

    The review process may include:

    • Verification of education
    • Verification of licenses and certifications
    • Review of professional qualifications
    • Verification of business credentials
    • Reference checks
    • Interview (if necessary)
    • Requests for additional documentation
    • Complete applications are generally reviewed within 20 business days.

    Incomplete applications may require additional processing time.


    Expedited Review

    Commerce recognizes that many Social Equity Applicants are already working with trusted professional advisors.

    If an SEA wishes to continue working with an existing attorney, CPA, accountant, commercial real estate professional, cannabis consultant, marketing specialist, or other qualified advisor who is not already on the Approved Mentor Roster, the applicant may request an Expedited Mentor Review.

    When all required application materials have been received, Commerce will make reasonable efforts to complete an expedited review within three (3) business days.

    Expedited processing is intended to minimize disruptions in technical assistance services and allow applicants to continue working with professionals who are already familiar with their business.

    Submission through the expedited process does not guarantee approval.


    Approved Mentor Roster

    Only mentors approved by Commerce and included on the Cannabis Social Equity Program Approved Mentor Roster are eligible to provide reimbursable technical assistance and mentorship services under the FY 2027 Program.

    The roster will be maintained by Commerce and BMC and updated throughout the year as additional qualified professionals are approved.

    Placement on the roster does not guarantee that a mentor will receive referrals or assignments. Assignments will be made based on applicant needs, mentor expertise, geographic coverage, availability, and overall program priorities.


    Need Assistance?

    If you have questions about becoming an Approved Mentor or need assistance completing this application, please contact the Program Administrator.

    Email: WASEACannabis@bmc-llc.net

    Website: Commerce Cannabis Social Equity Program - Startup Washington

    We strive to respond to all inquiries within one (1) business day.

     

    We look forward to you joining the team!!!

  • Section 1. Applicant Information

    Provide your contact and business information, including your name, organization (if applicable), email address, phone number, and mailing address. Ensure all information is complete, current, and accurate.
  • 10. Is this a request for Expedited Review
  • 10b. Are you currently providing these services?
  • 10c. When did you first begin providing these services?
     - -
  • 10d. Have you previously been approved as a Mentor under the Washington State Cannabis Social Equity Program?
  • 10e. Services you will provide?. Select ALL areas you are qualified to provide.*
  • 11. Are you currently or have you in the past worked with one of the subcontractors (Launch or FMS)?
  • 11a. Which subcontractor did you work with?
  • 11b. Would you like to continue to work with the subcontractor?

  • Section 2: Professional Background

    Provide information about your professional experience, areas of expertise, education, certifications, and relevant industry knowledge. Include any experience supporting cannabis businesses, Social Equity entrepreneurs, or small business owners. This information will be used to evaluate your qualifications and areas of specialization.
  • 3. Years Working in the Cannabis Industry*
  • 0/250
  • 5. Areas of Expertise. Select ALL areas you are qualified to provide.*

  • Section 3. Service Delivery

    Indicate the services you are willing and qualified to provide. Select all applicable service areas and specify any specialties, industries, or business stages you prefer to support. This information will be used to match you with participants whose needs align with your expertise.
  • 6. Which Phase would you like to support? Select all that apply*
  • 7. Which counties do you serve? Select all the apply or Entire Washington if serving the entire State.*
  • 8. Will you provide:*
  • 0/300
  • 0/300
  • 0/300
  • 0/500

  • Section 4. References

    Provide at least 2, no more than 3 professional references who can speak to your experience, expertise, and ability to support businesses or entrepreneurs. Include the reference's name, title, organization, email address, phone number, and their relationship to you. Ensure all contact information is current and accurate.

  • Section 5. Rates

    Provide your proposed hourly rate(s) for the services you will provide under this program. Include rates for different service types, if applicable, and ensure all rates are clearly stated in U.S. dollars.
  • 14. Preferred Billing Unit*
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  • Section 6. Conflict of Interest

    Disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that may affect your ability to provide impartial services under this program. If no conflicts exist, select "No Conflict of Interest." Provide additional details for any disclosed conflicts.
  • 16. Do you have any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest?*
  • 17. Have you ever been suspended or debarred?*
  • 18. Currently involved in litigation?*
  • 19. Everhad a professional license suspended?*

  • Section 7. Related Party Disclosure

    Identify any family, business, financial, or personal relationships that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest. If no such relationships exist, select "No Related Party Relationships." Provide additional details if applicable.
  • 20. Are you requesting to provide services to: (select all that apply)*

  • Section 8. Professional Certifications

    Please select all that apply relative to your professional certifications.
  • 21. Have you ever: (select all that apply)*

  • Section 9. Availability

    Indicate your availability to provide services, including the days, times, service delivery methods (virtual, in-person, or hybrid), and the number of clients you can reasonably support. This information will be used to match participants with available mentors.
  • 22. Available for an interview?*
  • 23. Availability to provide TA services?*
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  • Section 10. ATTESTATIONS

    Carefully review each attestation and check all boxes to confirm your agreement and compliance with program requirements. By submitting this application, you certify that all information provided is true, complete, and accurate and that you understand and accept the responsibilities of serving as an Approved Mentor.
  • Applicant Acknowledgement*
  • Date Signed
     - -
  • Should be Empty: