Workforce Development Grant Program

The City of Oakland is seeking to advance workforce development opportunities in the cannabis industry for those most harmed by the war on drugs through $1,000,000 in grant funds received from the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz). Specifically, the Cannabis Workforce Development Grant Program will provide up to $50,000 for each equity applicant that recruits, trains, and retains a qualified and diverse workforce. This program can serve as a win-win for equity business owners and employees by:

  • Supporting equity business owners as they grow their business; and
  • Offering equity employees with the training and experience needed to place them on the path to high-quality, well-paying jobs. within the cannabis industry or in other industries beyond the one-year grant period.

Here is a complete Overview of the Workforce Development Grant Program.

Here is the Workforce Development Grant Application.

Here is a Resource list of Organizations that may be able to assist you in the recruitment, training and retention of employees.

For questions please email pshelton@oaklandca.gov or by contacting PJ Shelton at 510-238-7661

On Wednesday, November 4th, our office held a zoom meeting to launch the Cannabis Workforce Grant Program.

If you were unable to join us, here is the link to the video and the Password Access Code is: ?F$Ur@V7

As of January 8, 2021, our office has allocated all funds available for the Workforce Development Grant Program. However, should funds become available in the future due to an applicant not complying with program guidelines, our office will review applications submitted after January 8, 2021 for consideration of funding.