WA Cannabis Social Equity - Grant Application (FY27)

WA Cannabis Social Equity Program

FY27 Grant Application
Welcome to the FY 2027 Cannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance and Grant Program!

Thank you for your interest in the Washington State Cannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance and Grant Program. This program is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) and managed by Booth Management Consulting, LLC (BMC) to assist eligible Social Equity Applicants (SEAs) in establishing, opening, operating, and sustaining licensed cannabis retail businesses throughout Washington State. The program combines technical assistance, mentorship, administrative support, and reimbursement grants to help reduce barriers to entry and improve long-term business success.

For Fiscal Year 2027, the program has been redesigned using a five-phase milestone approach that aligns technical assistance and grant funding with each applicant's stage of business development. Rather than providing the same services to every participant, the program delivers targeted support when it is most valuable—from identifying a retail location through long-term business operations.

The FY 2027 Five-Phase Program

Phase 1 – Location Identification (Technical Assistance Only)
- Business readiness assessment
- Startup Washington curriculum
- Business planning
- Financial planning
- Site search preparation
- Individualized Technical Assistance Plan
Phase 2 – Location Identification to Letter of Intent (LOI)
- Commercial site identification
- Zoning and feasibility review
- Landlord outreach
- Commercial real estate assistance
- Development of a Letter of Intent (LOI), Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), or similar property commitment
Phase 3 – LOI to Executed Lease
- Due diligence
- Lease negotiations
- Legal and insurance planning
- Financial planning
- Assistance obtaining a fully executed commercial lease
Phase 4 – Executed Lease to Operations
- Licensing assistance
- Build-out planning
- Permitting
- Vendor coordination
- Accounting and financial systems
- Compliance
- Staffing
- Opening readiness
Phase 5 – In Operations
- Reimbursement grants
- Regulatory compliance
- Accounting and tax support
- Recordkeeping
- Business sustainability
Before You Begin

Please review the following information before completing this application:

The application may take approximately 30–45 minutes to complete, depending on your business stage and the documentation you have available.

You may save your progress and return later to complete your application.
Applicants are encouraged to gather all required documentation before beginning the application.

Incomplete applications may require additional information and may delay processing.

Commerce may request additional documentation at any time to verify eligibility or support award determinations.

Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.

The Washington State Department of Commerce retains sole authority to determine eligibility, award amounts, and final funding decisions.

Required Eligibility
To be considered for funding, applicants must generally:
1. Qualified for the Social Equity Program by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
2. “Active” status with the WA Secretary of State.
3. Any and all grants/contracts/funds previously received from any COMMERCE program must be already reconciled/closed, including any repayment obligations.
4. Location for retail store selected, approved by LCB, and secured. (Secured by means of fully executed and verifiable lease, intent to lease, memorandum of agreement, or letter of interest, confirming commitment to rent/lease.)
5. The applicant must demonstrate that they have made reasonable progress toward opening and operating a licensed cannabis retail business, including securing a retail location, obtaining required approvals, and completing other milestones identified by COMMERCE. This criterion may be evaluated when prioritizing awards but will not be used to exclude applicants who otherwise satisfy the statutory eligibility requirements.
6. Applicant must submit a new Letter of Intent (LOI) for FY 2027. If the LOI is for the same location previously submitted to the Program, the LOI may not extend beyond ninety (90) days. If the LOI is for a new location, the LOI may not extend beyond six (6) months.
Required Supporting Documentation

Application Processing Time

Complete applications will generally be processed within ten (10) business days after all required documentation has been received, the applicant’s milestone status has been verified, and any outstanding RFIs have been resolved.

For purposes of these Program Guidelines, a complete application means an application that includes all required forms, certifications, Terms and Conditions acknowledgment, eligibility documentation, location or lease documentation, budget information, prior grant closeout information where applicable, payment setup documentation, and responses to all outstanding RFIs.

The ten (10) business-day processing period does not begin until the application is determined to be complete.

Request for Information (RFI)

If an RFI is issued, applicants are expected to submit the requested information within two (2) business days of the request unless a different timeframe is approved by BMC. RFIs may request corrected location documents, updated LOIs, evidence of lease execution, licensing correspondence, prior grant closeout documentation, business registration records, vendor information, conflict of interest or related-party disclosures, or any other information needed to determine eligibility and award readiness.

Failure to respond within the requested timeframe may delay processing, affect award matrix placement, prevent release of contingent funding, or result in the application being reviewed based on the information available. If sufficient documentation is not provided, the application may be recommended for denial or held until the required documentation is received, subject to available funding and program deadlines.

Grant Award Determinations

FY 2027 grant awards will be administered using a five-phase milestone-based approach grouped into two program tracks: Phases 1–3, Location Identification to Lease Execution, and Phases 4–5, Lease Execution through Ongoing Operations. Funding decisions will consider each applicant’s prior program participation, location identification status, LOI status, lease execution status, operational progress, available appropriations, and COMMERCE’s final determination. The table below is the FY 2027 Grant Award Framework.

Application Determinations

Following completion of application review, COMMERCE or BMC, on behalf of COMMERCE, will issue a written determination letter to the applicant documenting the outcome of the review. Determination letters may include award approval, conditional approval, partial approval, or denial.

Application Assistance

If you need assistance completing this application or have questions about the Cannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance and Grant Program, please contact the BMC Program Support Team at WASEACannabis@bmc-llc.net.

Our team can assist you with:
- Understanding program eligibility requirements
- Completing the grant application
- Required supporting documentation
- Grant award and reimbursement questions
- Application status inquiries
- Requests for Information (RFIs)
- General program guidance
To help us respond as quickly as possible, please include your business name, LCB Social Equity Applicant number (if available), and a brief description of your question in your email.

Email: WASEACannabis@bmc-llc.net

Response Time: We strive to respond to all inquiries within one (1) business day. During periods of high application volume, responses may take slightly longer.

Please note: Booth Management Consulting (BMC) provides administrative support, technical assistance, and application support services on behalf of the Washington State Department of Commerce. Final eligibility determinations, grant awards, and funding decisions are made solely by the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Section 1. Applicant Information

Please provide the following information:
1. SEA Business Name
2. Doing Business As (DBA), if applicable.
3. SEA Business Address (Must match the statewide vendor address)

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City, StateZipcode

Postal / Zip Code
4. Federal ID No.
5. SWV Number
6. LCB License Number
7. Primary Point of Contact (Please do not include special characters such as (), , $ in this section.)
Ownership
For purposes of the FY 2027 Cannabis Social Equity Grant Program, "all owners" means every individual or entity with an ownership interest in the applicant business.

The ownership information provided must represent 100 percent (100%) of the ownership structure.The ownership structure submitted must also be consistent with:
1. The ownership structure submitted to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) as part of the Cannabis Social Equity License application;
2. The ownership structure used to qualify the applicant for the Cannabis Social Equity License opportunity;
3. The ownership structure filed with the Washington State Business Licensing Service (BLS)/Department of Revenue (DOR), as applicable; and
4. The applicant's governing business documents (e.g., Operating Agreement, Partnership Agreement, Articles of Organization, Corporate Bylaws, Shareholder Agreement, or similar documentation)
The combined ownership percentages reported must equal 100 percent.
8. Majority Owner Information. Please provide the following information for the owner. (Please do not include special characters such as (), , $ in this section.)
9a. Owner #2 Information. Please provide their information below. (Please do not include special characters such as (), , $ in this section.)
9b. Owner #3 Information. Please provide their information below. (Please do not include special characters such as (), , $ in this section.)
9c. If there are more than 3 owners, please provide the owner information, requested above in a seperate attachment and upload it below The total ownership MUST equal 100%.

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Section 2: FY2027 Milestone Assessment (NEW)

Please provide the following information:
10. What phase best describes your current business?
11. If you did not receive FY 2026 based on an LOI, do you have a signed LOI with an expiration date not to exceed 6 months? If not applicable, select No
12. If you received FY 2026 funding based on an LOI, do you have a LOI with an expiration date not to exceed 3 months? If not applicable, select No
13. LandLord/Property Manager Company Name
Landloard Point of Contact (POC)

First NameLast Name
Landlord POC Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone numberFormat: (000) 000-0000.
Landlord POC Email
example@example.com
14. Retail Location

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
15. Upload Signed LOI

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16. Do you have the same executed lease for FY 2024/2025 or 2026,? If not applicable, respond No.
17. Upload the executed lease agreement

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18. What date did the retail operation open to the public?

MonthDayYear
19. What is the retail location address?

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
20. Upload pictures of the open location

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21. Has the ownership changed?
22. Name and ownership %
Section 3. Grant Funding
23. Did you receive Grant funds in the following funding periods?
24. FY 26 Grant Number
25. FY 26 Grant Amount (funded)
26. FY 24/25 Grant Amount (funded)
27. Was the grant FY 24/25 closed out?
28. FY 24/25 Closeout letter

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The applicant is not eligible for the grant.
Section 4. Grant Award Tier Determination

You grant eligible award amount will be computed based on your responses to the questions below. Incorrect responses could result in an incorrect eligible grant award amount. YOU MUST ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS
29. Is this your first time applying for the Cannabis SEA Grant Program?
30. Are you applying for this FY 27 grant based on an LOI?, If N/A select No
31. Are you applying for this FY 27 grant based on an executed lease? If N/A select No
32. Have you previously received FY26 funding under the Cannabis SEA Grant Program ? If N/A select No
33. Were you awarded FY 26 grant funding based on the LOI? If N/A select No
34. Have you previously received FY 24/25 funding under the Cannabis SEA Grant Program? If N/A select No
35. Are you currently open and in operations?
Eligible Grant Award Amount of $200,000
Eligible Grant Award Amount of $50,000
Automatic Additional Award Upon Lease Exectution $150,000
Automatic Additional Award Upon Lease Execution $185,000
Eligible Grant Award Amount of $150,000
Eligible Grant Award Amount of $15,000
Eligible Grant Award Amount of $25,000
Automatic Additional Funding of $50,000 when open
Section 5. Budget

Please review the instructions at the beginning of this application and complete this section based on the eligible award amount determined in Section 4. Do not include the automatic additional funding.
37. Budget Line Item #1
Budget Amount
Description of Budget Line Item
38. Budget Line Item #2
Budget Amount
Description of Budget Line Item
39. Budget Line Item #3
Budget Amount
Description of Budget Line Item
40. Budget Line Item #4
Budget Amount
Description of Budget Line Item
41. Budget Line Item #5
Budget Amount
Description of Budget Line Item
42. Budget Line Item #6
Budget Amount
Description of Budget Line Item
43. Budget Line Item #7
Budget Amount
Description of Budget Line Item
44. Budget Line Item #8
Budget Amount
Description of Budget Line Item
Section 6. Conflict of Interest and Related Party
45. To the best of your knowledge, does the applicant, any owner, officer, member, manager, true party of interest, or authorized representative have an actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest related to this application or any requested grant funds?
Describe the conflict of interest.
46. Select the type of conflict that apply.
47. Identify the individual(s) or business(es) involved
48. Describe how the conflict has been mitigated.
49. Has the conflict been disclosed to Commerce or BMC previously?
50. Upload any supporting documentation regarding the disclosed conflict.

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51. Are you, or is any owner, officer, member, manager, or true party of interest:
52. Describe your role and explain how any actual or perceived conflict is being avoided.
53. Will any person receive a direct or indirect financial benefit from this grant other than the applicant's licensed cannabis business?
54. Will any confidential Program information be used for private gain?
55. Have you agreed to share any portion of this grant award with another person or business?
56. Does the applicant intend to use any vendor, contractor, consultant, landlord, lessor, supplier, or service provider that is related to the applicant or any owner, officer, member, manager, or true party of interest?
57. Identify the related party.
58. Describe the proposed transaction.
59. Has a written agreement been fully executed?
60. Have any services been performed before the contract was executed?
61. Have any payments already been made?
Upload supporting documentation. Examples include Contract, Lease, Consulting Agreement Purchase Agreement

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62. If this transaction involves a lease or rental agreement, upload documentation supporting market-rate rent.

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63. I certify that all conflicts of interest have been fully disclosed.
Section 7. Eligibility Documentation
64. Please upload all the requested documents listed in the table below to the document upload dropbox. Please ensure all uploaded documents are clear, complete, and legible. Failure to provide the requested documentation or an adequate explanation may delay the review of your application.
65. Please upload the request documents listed in the table above.

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66. Explanation of Missing Documents
Section 8. Demographic Survey

Completion of this section is optional:
67. Race?
68. What is your gender/sexual orientation?
69. Do you have a disability?
70. Are you a Military Veteran?
71. Age Range (Select One)
72. Annual Household Income Range (Select One)
73. What is the primary language spoken at home
CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE PAGE
Application Certifications:I certify that all conflicts of interest have been fully disclosed.

Certification Regarding Lobbying. I certify that no grant funds awarded under the CannabisSocial Equity Technical Assistance and Grant Program will be used to pay forlobbying activities, legislative advocacy, political activities, or efforts toinfluence legislation, regulations, governmental policy, or funding decisions.I further certify that any services performed under this Program are limited toauthorized technical assistance, mentorship, grant administration, or eligiblebusiness activities and do not include lobbying or governmental affairsservices.Certification Regarding Duplicate Funding. I certify that the expenses included in thisapplication have not been reimbursed and will not be submitted forreimbursement under any other federal, state, local, tribal, or private grant,loan forgiveness program, insurance claim, settlement, or other funding source.If duplicate funding is identified after payment, I agree to immediately notifythe Washington State Department of Commerce and Booth Management Consulting andrepay any duplicate reimbursement received.Certification that Costs Are Eligible, Reasonable, andNecessary. I certify that all expenses submitted forreimbursement are eligible under the FY2027 Cannabis Social Equity ProgramGuidelines, are reasonable in amount, necessary for establishing, opening,operating, or sustaining my licensed cannabis retail business, were incurredduring the applicable grant period, and are supported by complete and accuratedocumentationCertification Regarding Record Retention, I certify that I will maintain all financialrecords, invoices, receipts, proof of payment, contracts, leases, payrollrecords, supporting documentation, correspondence, and other records related tothis grant in accordance with the Program Guidelines and applicable recordretention requirements. I understand that these records must be made availableupon request for monitoring, review, or audit.Certification Regarding False Statements and Recovery ofFunds. I understand that knowingly providing false,misleading, incomplete, or fraudulent information, or failing to disclosematerial information, may result in denial of funding, denial of reimbursement,recovery of grant funds, termination of my award, disqualification from futurefunding opportunities, civil or criminal penalties, and any other remediesavailable under applicable law.Acknowledgement of Audit and Monitoring Authority. I acknowledge that the Washington StateDepartment of Commerce, Booth Management Consulting, and their authorizedrepresentatives may review, monitor, inspect, verify, and audit anyinformation, documentation, financial records, business records, or supportingevidence related to this application or any grant awarded under the Program. Iagree to cooperate fully with all monitoring and audit activities.Acknowledgement of Requests for Additional Information. I understand that Booth Management Consultingand the Washington State Department of Commerce may request additionaldocumentation, clarification, explanations, or supporting evidence at any timeduring application review, reimbursement review, grant administration,monitoring, or closeout. I agree to provide requested information within thespecified timeframe. Failure to do so may delay processing or result in denialof funding or reimbursement.Acknowledgement that Grant Awards Are Not Guaranteed. I understand that submission of this applicationdoes not guarantee approval, funding, reimbursement, or a specific awardamount. The Washington State Department of Commerce retains sole discretion todetermine applicant eligibility, award amounts, reimbursement approvals,funding priorities, and final grant decisions based on Program Guidelines,available appropriations, and other applicable considerations.Certification of Continuing Compliance. I certify that I will promptly notify BoothManagement Consulting and the Washington State Department of Commerce of anymaterial changes to my business, ownership, licensing status, financialcondition, business location, legal proceedings, conflicts of interest, or anyother circumstances that could affect my eligibility or compliance with theCannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance and Grant Program.Final Applicant Certification. I certify, under penalty of perjury under thelaws of the State of Washington, that all information submitted in thisapplication and all supporting documentation are true, accurate, complete, andcorrect to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that theWashington State Department of Commerce will rely upon these certificationswhen determining eligibility for grant funding and reimbursement under theFY2027 Cannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance and Grant Program.
THE REQUESTING ENTITY CERTIFIES TO THE BEST OF ITS KNOWLEDGE:

The information submitted to the Washington State Commerce in this report, including required supporting documentation, is true and correct.

The applicant/business is in and will remain in, compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and orders, including but not limited to statutes and rules governing the Cannabis Social Equity grant program and LCB statues, rules governing cannabis license holders and applicants, all audit requirements, and the linked Special and General Terms and Conditions. The applicant/business will report any and all noncompliance with said laws that could have an adverse material impact on the business. Adverse material impact includes lawsuits, criminal or civil actions, bankruptcy proceedings, or regulatory action by a governmental entity.

The SEA applicant/business agrees to complete the Grant Closeout Survey at the completion of the grant period of performance.

I acknowledge that this application, together with the Cannabis Social Equity grant award letter that will issue if the application is approved, and the terms found at https://pdflink.to/e55f297f/ constitute the complete agreement between the SEA applicant/business and WA State Department of Commerce.
Authorized Official Signature
Authorized Official Name, Title
Date Signed

MonthDayYear
Email
example@example.com
Should be Empty:

WA Cannabis Social Equity Program

Section 1. Applicant Information

Ownership

Section 2: FY2027 Milestone Assessment (NEW)

Section 3. Grant Funding

Section 4. Grant Award Tier Determination

Section 5. Budget

Section 6. Conflict of Interest and Related Party

Section 7. Eligibility Documentation

Section 8. Demographic Survey

CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE PAGE