Build the Bridge: A Partnership Lab for Founders, Creators, and Leaders

A hands-on lab to help identify aligned partners, craft a clear collaboration pitch, and build a follow-up plan.

Build the bridge before you make the ask.

Partnerships can open doors — but only when the ask is clear, aligned, and rooted in mutual value.

Build the Bridge is a hands-on partnership lab designed for founders, creators, cannabis entrepreneurs, consultants, educators, event hosts, and community builders who are ready to turn relationships into real opportunities.

Whether you are looking for sponsors, venues, referrals, guest experts, visibility, community partners, or resource support, this lab will help you move from “I need connections” to “I know my next partnership step.”

This is not just a networking workshop. It is a working session.

You will identify the type of partnership you need, map aligned partners, clarify what you can offer, draft your outreach message, and leave with a simple 2-week follow-up plan.

Bring your idea. Leave with your next partnership move.

What You’ll Learn

During this lab, we’ll cover:

• The difference between partnerships, sponsorships, collaborations, and resource support
• How to identify what kind of partner you actually need
• How to find aligned partners without chasing everyone
• How to create a simple “give/get” map
• How to write a partnership ask that feels clear and natural
• How to follow up without feeling awkward
• How to build relationships that support your next event, offer, project, or business goal

What You’ll Leave With

By the end of the lab, you’ll walk away with:

• A clear partnership goal
• A list of aligned partners to contact
• A simple give/get map
• A ready-to-send outreach message
• A 2-week follow-up plan
• More confidence around making the ask

Who This Is For

This lab is for you if you are a:

• Founder or small business owner
• Creator or content entrepreneur
• Cannabis entrepreneur
• Event host or experience curator
• Consultant or service provider
• Community builder
• Nonprofit or social impact leader
• Educator, trainer, or facilitator
• Professional trying to build stronger relationships around your work

This is especially helpful if you are building something and know you need the right people, places, platforms, or resources around you to help it grow.

This Is Perfect If You Need

• Sponsors
• Venue partners
• Guest speakers
• Referral partners
• Community partners
• Visibility partners
• Event collaborators
• Resource support
• Strategic introductions
• More confidence making the ask

What to Bring

Please bring:

• A notebook or laptop
• One business, event, project, or offer you want support with
• A few people or organizations you’ve been thinking about reaching out to
• An open mind and a willingness to work through the ask

About Explore Maryland Cannabis

Explore Maryland Cannabis is a Baltimore-based social enterprise dedicated to increasing cannabis education, awareness, and connection while reducing stigma and creating more accessible pathways into the ecosystem.

Through events, workforce development, business education, and community-centered programming, EMC helps people find practical entry points into Maryland’s cannabis ecosystem and build meaningful relationships that support growth.

Build the Bridge is part of EMC’s Small Business Pathway, supporting founders, creators, and community builders with practical tools to grow through aligned partnerships.