Cannabis Development Grant
The Cook County Cannabis Development Grant program provides grants to businesses with State of Illinois Social Equity Licenses to support startup and operational business costs in Cook County.
In 2024, the program awarded $3.6 million to 40 businesses, including craft growers, dispensaries, infusers and transporters.
In 2025, Cook County will award Cannabis Development Grants to up to 10 eligible entrepreneurs who applied in 2024 but were not selected.
In September 2025, Cook County launched CannaBiz Pathways, a no-cost advising program for entrepreneurs working in the cannabis industry, including those who have Social Equity Licenses. Learn more about Cook County CannaBiz Pathways.
The Cook County Cannabis Development Grant program and Cook County CannaBiz Pathways are funded by the Cook County Equity Fund, created to address historic and continued disinvestment in marginalized communities. Specifically, the County’s Equity Fund Taskforce recommended establishment of this program to recognize the record of incarceration and exclusion communities of color have faced due to the War on Drugs.
Who received a grant
The original application portal was open from May 23, 2024, until June 21, 2024, and 40 businesses were selected to receive grants ranging from $75,000 to $150,000. The grant amount is dependent on the business type.
View 2024 Cook County Cannabis Development Grant recipient list
In 2025, Cook County will award Cannabis Development Grants to up to 10 eligible entrepreneurs who applied in 2024 but were not selected. Those recipients will be notified of their grant awards in the coming months.
For more information, email cannabis.oed@cookcountyil.gov.
For grant recipients
If you received a Cook County Cannabis Development Grant, you are required to complete an itemized expenses form. Download itemized expenses form.
Use this expense documentation guide for assistance in completing that form.
Contact
For more information, email cannabis.oed@cookcountyil.gov.