Australis Capital Inc (CSE:AUSA, OTCQB:AUSAF) - dba Audacious - has announced a new collaboration with the Black Institute Group to work on several social equity initiatives, initially in New York State.
The Black Institute Group (BIG) is led by Bertha Lewis, a noted civil rights leader who also works as an activist in the cannabis space. The group’s mission is to inform public policy and debate by ensuring people of colour are counted in their own data, research and polling. The group also trains and educates people of colour.
"While a growing number of licenses has been awarded to social equity applicants across the country, the next step for many of these people and groups is less clear. For instance, securing project finance while the applicant has a prior conviction is close to impossible,” BIG’s Lewis said in a statement.
READ: Audacious expands US cannabis footprint with conditional cultivation and manufacturing licenses in New Jersey
“This is where Audacious comes in, whose people have a track record of advocacy, inclusion and operational excellence. We are pleased to be working with Audacious in helping to ensure that social equity groups can enter the industry on a level playing field with the competition and execute and operate to the best of their abilities, not being hampered by artificial constraints they are faced with due to their background or the colour of their skin."
In a statement, Audacious said that BIG will advise on strategic approaches to the regulatory guidelines that have been outlined by the New York State Legislature and review the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Control Board's(CCB) revised regulations as they relate to the needs of Audacious.
According to Audacious, the collaboration is focused on connecting social equity applicants with Audacious, and for Audacious to engage with social equity licensees to optimize their ability to participate in the cannabis industry.
The collaboration will be multi-faceted, Audacious added and will include outreach to municipalities, community groups, politicians, media and other groups, as well as promoting Audacious and its social equity mission.
"We are very proud to be working with the Black Institute Group and its iconic leader, Bertha Lewis, on the further rollout of our social equity program in New York State,” Audacious CEO Terry Booth said.
“Their track record in the community needs little description, and we are very pleased that with their guidance, we will be able to do the right thing the right way.”
Audacious is a Las Vegas-based cannabis multistate operator.
Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas