CHICAGO (WAND) — Several central Illinois dispensaries have received loans through the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program.
Last week, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the recipients of $5.5 million in loans. Altogether, 23 licensed social equity dispensaries are receiving $240,000 Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) financed by the State of Illinois.
"Since day one, my administration has put equity at the forefront of building the most accessible cannabis industry in the nation," said Pritzker. "With the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program, we're giving social equity licensees the resources they need to grow their businesses - righting decades of injustice while providing opportunities for economic success in our state's historically disinvested communities."
Local dispensaries in Lincoln, Springfield, and Danville, as well as Mystic Greenz in Harristown received $240,000 each.
"The Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program is actively reshaping the cannabis industry by strengthening businesses, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "However, the impact of these investments goes beyond business development. We are demonstrating a tangible commitment to equity, removing barriers and promoting inclusivity in the cannabis sector."
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