Introduction

The Hemp Specialty Crop Program for Black Entrepreneurs is a Supporting Healthy Black Families (SHBF) economic empowerment workgroup designed by Urban Triage to restore land-based knowledge, expand Black ownership, and build generational wealth within the hemp industry. Rooted in Black lived experience, this workgroup supports participants to step into leadership as builders, visionaries, and stewards of community-centered enterprise.

‍

Why This Work Matters

Black entrepreneurs continue to face systemic barriers to land access, capital, and participation in emerging agricultural markets. These challenges are compounded by intergenerational trauma and complex regulatory systems that were not designed with Black communities in mind.

Through the SHBF framework, this workgroup interrupts those patterns by centering restoration, power, and self-determination. Participants gain tools to navigate systems, manage stress tied to entrepreneurship, and create economic stability that strengthens their households and future generations.

‍

Our Proven Approach

Launched in September 2023 with ten participants, this twelve-week immersive program integrates SHBF leadership development with hands-on hemp cultivation and business training. Participants learn cultivation practices, processing methods, regulatory compliance, and enterprise development through classroom instruction, site visits, industry mentorship, and one-on-one technical assistance.

To reinforce accountability, participants must maintain at least 90% attendance and complete all coursework and applied assignments. Graduates receive a $2,500 startup grant to support business launch or expansion.

‍

Results That Speak for Themselves

• 75% program graduation rate
• 80% of graduates report sustained personal and economic growth
• Graduates have launched or expanded businesses and strengthened family financial stability

Consistent with SHBF values, support continues beyond graduation through ongoing mentorship, industry connections, and access to shared resources—because sustainable change requires long-term investment.

Weekly Workgroup Sessions
A 12-week, hands-on curriculum grounded in Supporting Healthy Black Families (SHBF) and Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture (SHBA). Sessions integrate Black-centered leadership development with hemp cultivation, land stewardship, and agricultural enterprise-building—supporting participants in building confidence, accountability, and a long-term vision for their families and communities.

Hands-On Agricultural Learning
Practical training in hemp cultivation, soil health, plant care, harvest timing, processing methods, and quality control. Learning is experiential and relational—restoring connection to land while building real-world agricultural skills rooted in cultural knowledge and collective practice.

Enterprise & Economic Pathways
Business development support focused on agricultural entrepreneurship, including market analysis, pricing, branding, financial planning, and sustainability. Participants gain tools to build income-generating ventures that strengthen household stability and generational opportunity.

Healing-Centered Support & Resources

• $2,500 startup grant upon successful completion
• One-on-one mentoring and peer support
• Licensing and regulatory compliance assistance
• Site visits to hemp farms and processing facilities
• Continued post-program access to mentors, buyers, distributors, and shared resources

Aligned with SHBF and SHBA values, this workgroup supports participants not only in growing hemp but also in healing relationships to land, reclaiming an agricultural legacy, and building family-centered futures rooted in ownership, wellness, and self-determination.