Major Bloom Secures $700,000 in Workforce Development and Social Equity Grants to Drive Innovation and Community Impact

Major Bloom LLC, an Economic Empowerment cannabis company headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, has been awarded $700,000 in grant funding through the Massachusetts Workforce Development and Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund programs. These grants, provided by the Commonwealth Corporation and the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), will fuel the company’s mission of fostering equity and innovation within the cannabis industry.

“Receiving these grants is a major milestone for our business and community,” says Ulysses Youngblood, Founder of Major Bloom. “This funding will allow us to scale operations, invest in our people, and create innovative products and services, all while staying true to our mission of equity and sustainability.”

This significant funding will enable Major Bloom to expand its operations, train its workforce, and invest in sustainable practices, aligning with its commitment to serving communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.

Investing in the Future: How the Grants Will Be Used

The awarded grants will support a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Manufacturing Expansion: Major Bloom will develop 3,900 square feet of basement space into a state-of-the-art creative hub for manufacturing, product development, and research. The space will also include areas for therapeutic activities, content creation, and long-term storage.
• Green Initiatives: The company will acquire green-friendly delivery vehicles and invest in sustainable packaging solutions to promote eco-conscious practices within the cannabis industry.
• Workforce Development: Grant funds will be used to train employees on compliance, production processes, and customer service, ensuring they are equipped with skills to thrive in a competitive and evolving industry. The training will include ERP system implementation for streamlined operations.
• Product Innovation: Major Bloom will scale its production of full-spectrum gummies designed for sleep, relaxation, and wellness while adding new products to its therapeutic line.
• Community Engagement: The company plans to use the funds to produce educational and entertaining content, promoting diversity, equity, and sustainability in the cannabis ecosystem.

A Commitment to Equity and Opportunity

Major Bloom is the only Economic Empowerment business in Worcester and its success represents a triumph for equity in the cannabis industry. By leveraging these grants, the company is setting a standard for addressing historical injustices and creating opportunities for communities disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.

State Programs Supporting Growth

The grants were awarded through two impactful programs:

1. The Workforce Development Grant: Administered by Commonwealth Corporation, this program provides businesses with resources to train employees and adapt to emerging industry needs. Major Bloom’s workforce training will include technical skills, leadership development, and process optimization.
2. The Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund: Established by EOED, this program supports social equity participants in the cannabis industry by addressing financial and operational barriers. Major Bloom will use these funds to scale its infrastructure and create sustainable business practices.

A Path Forward

With the grant funding, Major Bloom is positioned to create 10 new jobs, double its production capacity, and significantly increase revenue. The company’s investment in sustainable delivery systems, compliance technology, and workforce development will not only enhance its business operations but also contribute to the broader Massachusetts economy.

By fostering innovation, sustainability, and equity, Major Bloom exemplifies how targeted financial support can transform industries and communities. As the company continues to grow, it remains committed to building a better future for its team, customers, and the cannabis ecosystem.

Stay tuned for updates as Major Bloom embarks on this exciting new chapter. For more information on these grant programs, visit Commonwealth Corporation and the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund websites.