PROJECT OVERVIEW

Identifying key stakeholders from each group and involving them in the process from day one was the most effective way to ensure the QP team understood all relevant concerns and issues. This also ensured that everyone was heard, had input, and understood each other's POV.

This was accomplished through a series of brand workshops deliberately designed to account for all feedback and facilitate open dialogues. These were enabled further through a Listening Tour, in which the team spent time with each of the organizations to understand their objectives, their POV, and to find the common threads between them.

All parties now in sync, we collaboratively created an SFEG brand each member could support. The brand came to life through both digital assets (website, editorial platform, etc.) and unified, large-scale, physical presences at City Hall and other hearings where SFEG was able to successfully advocate for policy changes and approval.

This unified approach has helped SFEG set more favorable legislation, supported over 25+ Equity Applicants as they navigate the Social Equity program, provided technical assistance including a workforce development program, and perhaps most importantly, helped with vetting partnerships and contracts to ensure the best interest of Equity Owners are being addressed. To date, SFEG has helped foster 6 dispensary launches, including the opening of the first Black-owned and Latina-owned stores under the Equity Program.