Canna-Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Social Equity Council was developed in order to make sure the adult-use cannabis program is grown equitably and ensures that funds from the adult-use cannabis program are brought back to the communities hit hardest by the “war on drugs.” 

BOND AUTHORIZATION

Connecticut Public Act 21-1 authorized up to $50 million in general obligation bonds for the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Social Equity Council (SEC) to jointly use for the following purposes:

Low-interest loans to social equity applicants, municipalities, or non-profits to rehabilitate, renovate, or develop unused or underused real property for use as a cannabis establishment.

Capital to social equity applicants seeking to start or maintain a cannabis establishment.

Development funds or ongoing CBRLF for the cannabis business accelerator program.

Development funds or ongoing expenses for the workforce training programs developed by the SEC.

Canna Business Loan Fund Useful Links

Ensures that funds from the adult-use cannabis program are brought back to the communities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Applicants

SEC-approved Social Equity Applicants (SEAs) with a licensed cannabis business located in Connecticut, including provisional licenses, may be eligible to apply. The SEA must own 50% or more of an Equity Joint Venture (EJV) or own 65% or more of a 149 Cultivator or cannabis business. Municipalities and non-profits located in Connecticut may also be eligible to apply. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.

Uses of Funds

Eligible Expenses Include: (1) Equipment Purchases, (2) Purchase & Installation of Machinery, (3) Leasehold Improvements or Expansions, (4) Working Capital And Lines of Credit, (5) Vehicles for use in Conducting Official Cannabis Business, (6) Technology Infrastructure, (7) Loan Closing Costs, (8) Environmental Studies, Or (9) Soft Costs Related to New Construction/Renovations.

Non-Eligible Uses

Non-Eligible Expense Include: (1) Payment of Taxes, (2) Payment of Licensing Fees, (3) Subsidizing a Business that can obtain Financing for the Project at Reasonable Terms from Conventional Sources, (4) Refinancing or Restructure Existing Debt, (5) Relocation of A Business Entity from one CT Geographical Area to Another, (6) Compensating for a Fundamental Business Weakness, (7) Personal Loans, (8) Personal Needs (Such as Child Support, Rent, Utilities, Etc.), or (9) State-Wide Illegal Activities.

Structure

Minimum equity investment of 20% is required. Fixed asset loans will not exceed $500,000, including leasehold improvements. Working capital and lines of credit will not exceed $200,000 and vehicle loans will not exceed $500,000.

Term

Loans will be amortized over the life of the asset or the borrower’s ability to repay, with a maturity note of not more than 10 years. Working capital loans will be amortized over a period of 2 years. Lines of credit mature at the end of year 5 with the option to convert to a term loan for a period not to exceed 5 years.

Interest Rate

The interest rate shall be fixed between 6% and 9%. 1.50% interest rate discount for applicants that enroll and complete the SEC Cannabis Business Accelerator Program.

Collateral

First lien position on assets being financed, may subordinate to bank loan up to $250,000. In cases of subordination an inter-creditor agreement will be required. Personal guarantees will be required for all working capital loans and lines of credit from owners with 5% or more ownership stake in the business.

Closing Costs

Applicants will be responsible for closing costs, if applicable.