Business Beat: B2B Opportunities in Hemp and Cannabis for the Region
This past summer I had the pleasure of working with a young new business owner, who completed a hemp and cannabis inventory for southeastern Alberta. Not only did she find that there is predicted to be about 1,000 new jobs in these industries, she also uncovered a fast growing industry with many opportunities for business to business (B2B) partnerships.
Upon speaking with primary producers, farmers and growers, and many other companies along the supply chain, it became evident that Medicine Hat and southeastern Alberta are becoming the hemp and cannabis capitals of Alberta.
The consultant, Shannon Bergstreser, found that we have experienced companies that have been producing hemp since the 1980s, while others are just getting started in innovative fields of medical cannabis. In addition, the Brooks Crop Diversification Centre has also started research projects with hemp companies to help advance this sector.
This young and savvy entrepreneur also found that potential B2B opportunities include by-products of hemp and cannabis, co-packaging opportunities for foods with THC and/or CBD’s that require a licenced facility, and many more. In fact, there were so many opportunities the APEX partners decided to have an event to share the findings with the public.
Our event is a chance for the community to hear from hemp and cannabis experts. During the conference, you will learn about:
* Opportunities developing in the region as a result of the hemp and cannabis industry.
* Hemp and cannabis production, processing, versatility, and prospective value to our local economy.
* Anticipated impacts to Medicine Hat and southeastern Alberta’s labour market.
The event will conclude with a networking luncheon to interact, meet, and ask additional questions with industry experts. Also, our Continuing Studies department at Medicine Hat College will be talking about two new courses recently launched geared towards the cannabis industry.
This event, hosted by the partners of the APEX Regional Innovation Network, takes place on Nov. 22 from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Medicine Hat College. Tickets are $35 and includes a networking lunch.
To purchase your tickets, please go to https://hempcannabismh.eventbrite.ca or for further information please contact Community Futures at 403-528-2824. We hope to see you there!
The MHC Entrepreneur Development Centre helps student and alumni bring their entrepreneurship dreams to life. We offer one-to-one coaching, training, mentorship and access to a diverse network of startup funding. To connect into our network email edc@mhc.ab.ca or call 403-502-8433.
Tracy Stroud is manager of business development at Medicine Hat College.