Cannabis Development Grant
The Cook County Cannabis Development Grant program provided grants to businesses with State of Illinois Social Equity Licenses to support startup and operational business costs in Cook County.
The application portal was open from May 23, 2024, until June 21, 2024, and the program initially awarded $3.6 million to 40 businesses.
In 2025, grants were awarded to nine eligible businesses who applied in 2024 but were not selected at that time.
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
Grant recipients included craft growers, dispensaries, infusers and transporters.
Grants ranged from $75,000 to $150,000, with the amount dependent on the business type.
View 2024 Cook County Cannabis Development Grant recipient list
View 2025 Cook County Cannabis Development Grant recipient list
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.
Questions?
For more information, email cannabis.oed@cookcountyil.gov.