“We consider inclusivity to be a fundamental principle for the cannabis sector,” stated Jerel Registre, managing director of the Curio WMBE Fund, during a discussion with TechCrunch. Registre’s strong belief in this initiative is clear as he outlines the issue the fund is designed to resolve.

This new fund, launched by Maryland-based medical cannabis provider Curio Wellness, is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups as they enter the cannabis marketplace. Equipped with $30 million in investment capital, the Curio WMBE Fund plans to invest in as many as 50 women, minority individuals, and disabled veterans who are looking to establish and manage a Curio Wellness franchise, with a clear pathway to full ownership within three years.

Registre communicated to TechCrunch that the objective is to foster greater diversity in ownership through a reliable and established business framework. Program participants will receive access to both financial resources and essential operational support.

Curio has established a strong presence in Maryland, currently holding the largest market share among cannabis cultivators. The family-operated company, founded in 2014, runs dispensaries focused on a patient-centered care model. Though legally distinct from, yet closely associated with, Curio Wellness, the Curio WMBE Fund intends to provide franchisees with access to Curio’s proven strategies and expertise.

“Recognizing the systemic obstacles that women, minorities, and disabled veterans encounter when seeking funding, we resolved to create a solution that directly tackles this significant economic imbalance,” explained Michael Bronfein, CEO of Curio Wellness. “The Fund offers eligible entrepreneurs the necessary investment capital to become a Curio Wellness Center franchisee, while also guaranteeing their success through our industry-leading business practices.”

“Let’s replicate the success we’ve already achieved,” Registre added. He draws a comparison to the McDonald’s franchise model, where the parent company provides operators with established procedures and continuous assistance.

“Our fund is unique within the industry,” Registre noted, “because qualifying entrepreneurs will have a defined route to 100% ownership in as few as three years. Many other funds utilize minority entrepreneurs simply to secure licenses; the Curio approach reverses this by empowering diverse entrepreneurs and providing support throughout their journey. Should a franchisee who received investment funding default, they will be replaced by another minority or female owner, ensuring the fund’s core mission of supporting diverse entrepreneurs is maintained.”

Registre further explained that diversity is also a priority within Curio Wellness itself. Of the company’s 200 employees, 40% are women, and over half are members of minority groups. Within the leadership team, 38% are women, and 44% identify as belonging to a minority community.

“Diversity is a vital asset that we acknowledge as essential to our achievements and future growth, which is why we decided to establish this investment fund,” Registre stated.

The fund offers support in two distinct phases. The initial phase provides capital to franchisees to launch their Curio Wellness Center and assists them with obtaining licenses, choosing a location, and recruiting and training staff. Once the location is operational, the fund plans to offer continued support in areas such as management, sales and marketing, store operations, and keeping employees informed about product details.

Curio views its locations as more than just cannabis dispensaries; the company refers to them as Wellness Centers.

“Curio locations offer an experience that goes beyond the typical medical cannabis dispensary—they are comprehensive wellness destinations, overseen by a licensed pharmacist,” Registre clarified. “Patient well-being is central to everything we do and is demonstrated through the diverse range of holistic health products, services, and educational programs we provide. While complementing the medical cannabis patient experience, these features extend the store’s appeal to the broader community, not restricting healthcare access to only those with a medical cannabis card. This patient-focused approach, guided by a pharmacist-led model, allows us to genuinely promote wellness for everyone who visits.”

As of this writing, the fund has secured half of its $30 million goal. The company reports that the fund intentionally sought and obtained an investment group that includes both women and minorities. The fund is anticipated to finalize its funding by the end of 2020, with applications expected to open in early 2021.