Cannabis industry now has many B2B services available
With the cannabis industry now well-established in the U.S., many companies have launched to provide B2B services. Such services include everything needed from self-education and networking to finding appropriate real estate and employees. Whether you are seeking companies to help build your business or thinking of getting into the B2B cannabis industry yourself, here is a selection of exemplary companies to get you started.
Evaluating services
Starting any company requires a great deal of support. And highly regulated industries like cannabis require specialized support whether from companies either dedicated to the cannabis industry or expanding into the industry with well-developed specialized skills in adjacent sectors. But, in the cannabis industry as in any other, B2B services should be fully evaluated.
These days a great deal of evaluation can be done online and should include taking a close look at each company’s website for professional design, up-to-date contact info and a clear description of services. Seeking out review sites and discussion forums are also important though one has to be careful of company reviews just as one is careful of product reviews. In addition, one can turn to trade services and organizations to aid in evaluating a particular business or to learn more about entering an industry niche.
B2B Media
Every industry develops its own trade websites and publications. Some specialize in a particular niche and others provide broad information about the industry as a whole. An excellent example of the latter is PotNetwork News, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
PotNetwork Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS:POTN). Having begun as a website with basic industry news, PotNetwork News has gradually expanded its offerings to become a full-service B2B media operation. Now, in addition to daily news one can find a cannabis business directory, a calendar of industry events, stock listings with quotes and regular video reports.
The combination allows both new and established business people the ability to keep up with major news, find out about new products and companies, search for needed services and discover events for networking and sales. Successful business people emphasize the need for continuous learning and focused networking. PotNetwork News now helps fill all those needs for industry professionals.
Trade Organizations
Trade organizations may be nonprofit or for-profit but all exist to support industries regardless of the stage of development. Such organizations are especially useful for networking and lobbying. One of the leading B2B organizations in the cannabis industry is the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). NCIA is a 501(C)(6) nonprofit trade association with offices in Washington, DC, and Denver, CO. The association organizes events, provides a variety of informational resources and advocates on behalf of the membership.
NCIA partners with BDS Analytics to supply industry information such as sales data and state marijuana policies. It also coordinates action to affect the policies of lawmakers nationwide. Its events include lobbying days in Washington and business summits. To fully be a part of the cannabis industry, participation in a trade organization is a prerequisite.
Beyond the helpful resources provided by the above industry-focused corporations, cannabis companies need a variety of services to support their launch and operations. Crucial areas of operation include finding appropriate real estate and hiring personnel.
Real Estate
Cannabis Real Estate Consultants (CREC) is an example of the specialized services one needs to open a cannabis business properly. Based in California, CREC offers listings of properties that are certified to meet industry standards as well as those that are open to serving the cannabis industry. Given the fact that marijuana, in particular, faces strict but erratic regulation at state and local levels, a real estate firm that understands the details is crucial to starting off on the right foot.
CREC also partners with a variety of professionals that can ensure successful licensing and legal operation guidance. They are an excellent example of what to look for in a cannabis industry-specific realtor.
Staffing
Finding the right personnel is key to any cannabis operation as well as to job seekers interested in joining the industry. These days even mainstream job boards are listing cannabis-related jobs but an industry-specific company like Vangst offers a full range of needed services. From listings of jobs and short-term gigs to employers, Vangst helps both job seekers and recruiters make the right match. Vangst also hosts a Cannabis Career Fest in Denver which now has a successful track record of industry staffing. Vangst even has a salary guide which is a helpful resource for both sides of the process.
Finding industry success
The cannabis industry is full of great opportunities for job seekers and entrepreneurs. Whether one seeks to serve consumers or the industry, B2B cannabis services are now available for all relevant needs. Given that the cannabis industry is still emerging and that much remains in flux, partnering with established professionals will increase your odds of industry success.
