Las Vegas, NV — As nationwide economic uncertainty and industry headwinds continue to shake the cannabis landscape, Latinas in Cannabis has announced the Seeds of Change Small Business Grants Program, a new initiative created by Latinas, for all women entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry.
From now until December 4, 2025, women-owned small businesses and consultancies attending MJBizCon, one of the cannabis industry’s largest and most influential events, are invited to apply for a chance to receive one of four $500 business grants designed to provide tangible, real-world support during these turbulent times. Applications are open now at Latinas-Cannabis.com/SeedsOfChange.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Challenging Times
With the cannabis industry facing increasing unpredictability—from layoffs to the pending hemp ban threatening small operators nationwide—many entrepreneurs are struggling to stay afloat. Compounding this, the reduction in SNAP benefits has deepened challenges for countless women who are not only business owners but also mothers and heads of their households.
“The women of our industry are some of the most tenacious and resilient entrepreneurs I’ve ever known,” said Susie Plascencia, Founder of Latinas in Cannabis. “Accolades and recognition are wonderful, but when payroll is due, when rent is looming, when those extra supplies are needed—what small businesses need most is tangible help. While crises like the pending Hemp Bill and SNAP disruptions threaten household stability, this program puts real dollars, visibility, and community support into the hands of women who need it most. That’s what empowerment looks like.”
Backed by Industry Leaders Who Believe in Change
The Seeds of Change program is powered by the generous support of four sponsor partners—Encore Labs, Alibi, Cannabiotix, and Dispensify—each of whom share Latinas in Cannabis’ mission to foster equity, opportunity, and sustainability for women across the cannabis ecosystem.
“My name is Angie, and as a female minority executive, I am proud to represent Encore Labs. At Encore, we believe in uplifting and empowering the voices in our communities who put the culture in cannabis. We are grateful to the women of Latinas in Cannabis for giving us the opportunity to become a partnering ally, and are excited to see each fearless member cultivate greatness within our industry.”
— Angie Macaraeg, VP of Sales & Marketing, Encore Labs
“As the co-founder of Alibi, I know firsthand what it takes to build a business from the ground up in the cannabis space. I’m proud to sponsor the Seeds of Change Small Business Grants Program by Latinas in Cannabis because this kind of support—a $500 grant plus two one-on-one phone consultations—does more than recognize women entrepreneurs: it gives them actionable, personalized momentum at a critical moment. In an industry full of obstacles, this backing can be the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving.”
— Marianne Cursetjee, Co-Founder & CEO, Alibi
“Supporting the Seeds of Change Small Business Grants Program feels deeply aligned with everything we’re building at Cannabiotix. Having grown from the underground scene to a craft-cultivated brand rooted in community and quality, I know how powerful—even a modest boost—can be for women entrepreneurs in our industry. We’re proud to contribute and help light the way for someone else’s vision to take off.”
— Neema Samari, Co-Founder & CEO, Cannabiotix
“Dispensify exists to elevate what’s possible in cannabis retail, and the women entrepreneurs and professionals moving this industry forward are redefining its future in real time. Supporting the Seeds of Change Small Business Grants with Latinas in Cannabis is an easy ‘yes’ for us — it delivers real, practical support to those building and growing impactful businesses. Backing women entrepreneurs helps lift the entire industry, and we’re proud to play a small part in that growth.”
— Ryan Lagace, Co-Founder & CEO, Dispensify
Live Celebration at MJBizCon 2025
Grant winners will be announced live on stage at MJBizCon’s HUB Stage during the Latinas in Cannabis Takeover on Friday, December 5 at 12 PM. The celebration will begin with an expert panel discussion featuring representatives of the grant sponsors, followed by a live check presentation and photo session honoring the awardees and their companies.
This event will bring together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and allies to celebrate resilience, innovation, and collaboration within the cannabis industry.
About Latinas in Cannabis
Latinas in Cannabis is a community and advocacy organization dedicated to empowering, connecting, and uplifting Latinas and women working across all sectors of the cannabis industry. Through storytelling, events, and advocacy initiatives, Latinas in Cannabis amplifies women’s voices and promotes equity, visibility, and opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Media Contact:
Latinas in Cannabis
📧 latinasincannabis@gmail.com
🌐 www.Latinas-Cannabis.com/SeedsOfChange
📍 MJBizCon 2025 – Las Vegas Convention Center
