Dutchie's Social Equity Program
At dutchie, we continuously strive to create equity in the cannabis industry. One way we’re doing this is by giving back to our retailers through dutchie’s Social Equity Program (SEP). This program is designed to support cannabis entrepreneurship for underrepresented store owners*.
What are the benefits of participating in the SEP?
When your store qualifies to participate in the SEP, your business will benefit from coaching and additional support. The program benefits include:
- A cash marketing incentive.
- Signage with a custom message of your choice.
- Additional coaching sessions with your Customer Success Manager.
Interested in applying?
To express interest in the Social Equity Program, please click the link below:
Keep reading to learn more about program qualification and benefits.
Who qualifies to participate in the SEP?
Qualification to participate in the SEP is on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to support the business growth of underrepresented cannabis retailers, and if you’re an interested store owner we encourage you to submit an application letting us know why you think your store should qualify. Stores may qualify if they meet the following criteria:
- Store is a current or prospective partner with dutchie.
- Business is a cannabis retailer.
- Store owner is part of an underrepresented group within the cannabis industry.
To provide a couple examples, stores that could qualify are those owned by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Veterans, and Women. These are examples, not a comprehensive list of qualifications - if you think your store may qualify, please submit an application and let us know why.
Marketing Incentive
The marketing incentive is a no-strings-attached, one-time check to strengthen your marketing budget. The purpose of the additional budget is for you to promote online ordering and help grow your store’s brand presence.
Signage
Showcase what makes your business unique, with beautiful custom signage to place in your store. The design includes your store’s logo and a customized message. Additionally, we’ll send you a digital copy so you can share your store’s message through your own social media marketing.
Coaching Sessions
The purpose of these sessions is to provide your business with routine and dependable support from our knowledgeable Customer Support Managers (CSM). During these sessions, we’ll discuss tips, tricks and suggestions for making your equitable business more successful including:
- Strategizing to ensure the success of your e-commerce goals and objectives.
- Determining the key objectives and ROI for the business and utilizing dutchie’s tools and platform to maximize efficiency and operations.
Together, we want to help create an equitable and safe space for your dispensary’s customers and employees alike and maximize your success.
Dutchie Social Equity Program - FAQs
Marketing Incentive
What is the marketing incentive?
The marketing incentive is a no-strings-attached $1500 check that we send to your store after you have been approved for the SEP, and you have told us to whom and where the check should be sent. The purpose of the check is to strengthen your marketing budget and help build brand presence and acquire new customers.
Does the check have to be spent on anything specific or need to meet any criteria? Do we need to supply receipts?
No, this is a no strings attached, one-time check and you’re welcome to spend it however you feel is best for your store. No need to provide receipts.
Signage
What does the custom sign look like?
Below is an example image of the sign. The measurements are 11x17 inches and you get to write the message for your sign and place it wherever you’d like in your store. You will indicate what the message should say in the signage request form.
How do I order my sign and when will I receive it?
You can order your custom sign through the signage request form. Once you submit your information, you should receive your sign within 3 weeks.
Coaching Session
What does a coaching session entail?
The purpose of the coaching session is to provide additional support to your online sales, in whatever way is needed. If there are any challenges you’re facing or topics you’d like advice on, we’d be happy to hear about them and see if there’s anything we can do to offer support.
How do I meet with my CSM?
If you want to set up a coaching session with your CSM, you can send an email to sep@dutchie.com. Your CSM will reach out to set up an appointment, which will be conducted either by phone or Zoom - whatever works best for you.
Other
Will our store look differently, or have higher placement on dutchie.com?
This is not part of the SEP at this time, but we’re continuing to evolve the program and will be thinking about additional benefits to add to the program in the future.
I have feedback or an idea I’d like to share about the Social Equity Program. Who do I contact?
We love feedback! We’re committed to continual learning and growth, and it’s also our goal to evolve the program so it adds value to your business. Please send an email with any feedback or suggestions to sep@dutchie.com.
If you have more questions or want to learn more about participating in the Social Equity Program, contact your CSM or submit an application.
*Brands and Producers are not eligible for the SEP at this time, however, please feel free to express interest in signing up for future opportunities to have your brand amplified on our site by reaching out to dutchie Support today.