The Cook County Cannabis Development Grant program offers up to $3.6 million in grants to support startup and operational business costs for social equity-licensed cannabis businesses in Cook County. Funded by the Cook County Equity Fund, this initiative aims to address the historic disinvestment in marginalized communities. Priority is given to businesses with social equity licenses issued in 2020 or 2021, those operating in Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs), and businesses majority-owned by residents of DIAs.

The application portal opens at 8 a.m. CDT on May 23, 2024, and closes at 4:59 p.m. CDT on June 14, 2024. Eligible applicants must hold a social equity license and operate in or be committed to operating in Cook County. Grants range from $75,000 to $150,000, depending on the type of cannabis business.