The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), in partnership with Empire State Development (ESD), has launched the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) Grant Program, a $5 million initiative designed to help licensed dispensary owners cover critical startup costs. The program will provide grants of up to $30,000 per awardee to assist with expenses such as commercial rent, security equipment, point-of-sale systems, inventory tracking, and regulatory compliance improvements.
"The CAURD Grant Program is a crucial step in supporting New York's legal cannabis entrepreneurs as they establish and expand their businesses," said Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. "By providing financial assistance for essential startup costs, we are reinforcing our commitment to an equitable and thriving cannabis market."
The grant program is open to all active, final CAURD license holders who meet the eligibility requirements set forth by OCM. To qualify, applicants must have a business bank account matching the name of their CAURD license, be incorporated to operate in New York State, and be in full compliance with all state and local cannabis regulations.
Funding details and eligible expenses
Grant awards will be distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning businesses must provide receipts for qualifying expenses to receive funding. CAURD licensees will be able to submit receipts for eligible improvements that fulfill OCM regulatory compliance requirements, including but not limited to commercial rent for retail establishments, cosmetic improvements to retail dispensaries, point-of-sale systems and hardware, inventory tracking systems, secure product storage and transportation systems and equipment, insurance costs, renovations and other documented costs as approved by OCM and ESD.
Applicants must submit a minimum of $10,000 in eligible expenses to qualify for a grant. Approved applicants will receive a one-time ACH payment for approved expenses. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the $5 million allocation is exhausted. Eligible expenses can be reimbursed starting from the date the licensee received final license notice from the Office.
Application timeline and next steps
Applications for the CAURD Grant Program will open on March 18, 2025. Interested licensees should regularly check the OCM website for updates and the official application link. On behalf of the Office of Cannabis Management, Empire State Development has entered into a contract with FORWARD, an experienced third-party service, to administer the CAURD Grant Program. FORWARD will host a webinar to guide CAURD licensees through the application process on Tuesday, March 25. Information about the webinar and a link to register is available on the OCM website. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the OCM website, ensuring all eligible applicants have access to key details.