Gotham NYC Launches Accelerator for Black-Owned Cannabis Brands

NEW YORK – Gotham NYC, the city’s first Cannabis concept store known for blending retail with art, design and culture, has rolled out a new business accelerator aimed at supporting growth-stage Cannabis consumer-product companies owned by Black entrepreneurs.

The Gotham Growth Project (GGP) is a six-session, cohort-based program that delivers structured guidance, expert instruction, peer collaboration and hands-on assignments to address real-world scaling challenges. The inaugural cohort targets Black-owned businesses in New York City that meet specific criteria: at least 51% Black ownership and operation, a minimum of 12 months in business, and products already available for sale in regulated dispensaries. Eligible applicants include founders from the five boroughs, Westchester County and Long Island.

Participants gain access to mentorship, industry connections, a network of peers and a guaranteed opportunity to launch their products in Gotham stores upon completion. The program wraps up with a pitch showcase at The Highrise, Gotham’s semi-annual event. Applications opened recently and close on March 11, 2026.

The initiative arrives as New York’s legal Cannabis market continues to expand following adult-use legalization in 2021, with ongoing efforts to address disparities in licensing and participation. Black entrepreneurs have historically faced barriers in the sector despite early involvement in Cannabis culture and advocacy. Programs like this one provide targeted resources to help established brands build sustainable operations and increase visibility in a competitive retail environment.

Gotham positions the accelerator as a direct step to support founders who have already demonstrated product traction but need tools for long-term growth. Post-program, the company plans to offer additional masterclasses focused on business development.

Wrapping up, this move reflects a practical response to market realities in New York, where retail shelf space and consumer reach remain key hurdles for smaller operators. Whether the program translates into measurable scaling for participants will depend on execution and broader market conditions, but it adds a concrete option for Black-owned brands seeking to advance in the state’s regulated Cannabis space.

Photo courtesy of gotham.nyc