How To Open Your Dispensary on a Budget | Presented by Canna Connect

Join Canna Connect MN for an education-focused gathering covering Minnesota cannabis policy, compliance, and industry best practices.  Plus purposeful networking with peers and partners.  Whether you’re an operator, service provider, advocate, or simply curious, you’ll leave with actionable insights and new connections.

Canna Connect

Come learn from industry experts on how to build, open, and scale your dispensary on a budget.

The Wilderness Fitness and Coworking, West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Canna Connect & Cure8 Presents:

Educational sessions provided in partnership between Canna Connect & Cure8

Are you an aspiring or current entrepreneur looking to thrive in Minnesota's burgeoning cannabis retail market? Don't miss this exclusive educational session designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and expert strategies needed to prepare, launch and scale a successful dispensary.The Minnesota cannabis market is evolving rapidly. With adult-use legalization underway and the first licensing lotteries for cultivators, manufacturers, mezzobusinesses, and social equity retail applicants already held, understanding the nuances of compliance, operations, design, and technology is more critical than ever. This masterclass brings together industry leaders to provide invaluable insights and actionable advice as the market moves towards retail sales.What You'll Learn:<ul><li>Operational Excellence: Discover best practices for efficient dispensary management, from inventory control and staff training to compliance adherence.</li><li>Designing for Success: Explore how strategic design and build-out can optimize your retail space for both customer experience and operational efficiency.</li><li>Technology &amp; Security Solutions: Learn about the vital role of robust IT infrastructure and comprehensive security systems in ensuring compliance and protecting your assets.</li><li>Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Hear real-world examples and lessons learned from other markets to accelerate your journey and minimize risks.</li></ul>

Featuring Industry Leaders from:<ul><li>Cure8: Led by Munir Haque, Munir is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced cannabis technology experts in North America. He specializes in cannabiz technology and security, and has worked closely with cannabis companies to design, set up, and manage hundreds of facilities in the last few years.</li><li>Forte Operations: Brytany Melville, Co-Founder of Forte Operations, brings over 17 years of high-volume retail and cannabis-specific experience. Forte offers strategic planning, operational support, and competitive differentiation to help you launch and scale your dispensary business efficiently and effectively.</li><li>Temeka Group: Chris Isley and the Temeka Group specialize in world-class design, fabrication, and installation for cannabis facilities. Understand how cutting-edge retail design and optimized layouts can enhance customer experience and drive profitability.</li></ul>

Who Should Attend:<ul><li>Prospective cannabis dispensary owners and operators</li><li>Entrepreneurs entering the Minnesota cannabis market</li><li>Investors seeking to understand retail opportunities</li><li>Anyone interested in the practicalities of launching a compliant and successful cannabis retail business in Minnesota</li></ul>Sponsored by:Canna Connect, Cure8, Forte Operations, and Temeka GroupSpace is limited, so secure your spot today! This is a unique opportunity to gain a competitive edge and network with key players in the Minnesota cannabis industry.

Agenda

Doors Open

Presentations Begin

Eric Johnston will open the session by touching on the most effective marketing systems & strategies for dispensaries, especially if you’re on a budget.

Opening Presentation  by The Grow House

Brytany Melville is the Co-Founder of Cannabis Dispensary Consulting Agency, Forte Operations. With 17+ years of entrepreneurial and high-volume retail experience, she began her cannabis career in 2018 with opening the first legal dispensaries in Canada. Through her work, she has continued to successfully launch and scale over 90+ dispensary businesses for independent licensees throughout Canada, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Maine and Minnesota.
As a First Nations, female Métis leader, Brytany embodies a commitment to driving inclusivity, equality, and diversity to ensure that all minorities are not only represented, but also empowered. Recognizing that the cannabis industry is profiting from the unjustly incarcerated and terminally ill individuals who have paved the path for us to be here today, she champions a future where equal opportunities in all areas of the industry are paramount.  

Introductory Presentation by Brytany Melville, Forte Operations

Temeka Group has been crafting environments that tell meaningful stories since 1991. We put our imaginations and expertise to work by turning our clients vision into reality. Our team can handle every aspect of the project from concept through completion.

Brand Capabilities Presentation by Chris Isley, Temeka Group

One thing that sets Munir apart is that he has deep, ground-level experience in retail management, so he understands the day-to-day needs and frustrations of retail managers and employees better than most. He specializes in cannabis technology and security, and has worked closely with cannabis companies to design, set up, and manage hundreds of facilities in the last few years.
One thing that sets Munir apart is that he has deep, ground-level experience in retail management, so he understands the day-to-day needs and frustrations of retail managers and employees better than most. His company, Cure8, is a leading Managed IT service provider specializing in the cannabis industry. They offer a comprehensive range of technology solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of dispensaries, cultivation and manufacturing facilities, distribution networks, HQs, and multi-state operators in the U.S. 