Officials from the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner announced the launch of the Social Equity Financial Assistance (SEFA) Grant Program, aimed at supporting social equity licensees in Delaware’s adult-use marijuana industry. (Photo by Elsa Olofsson)

The Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) has announced the implementation of the Social Equity Financial Assistance (SEFA) Grant Program, an initiative aimed at advancing equitable participation in the state’s adult-use marijuana industry.

The program is designed to reduce barriers that have historically limited opportunities for individuals and communities disproportionately affected by previous marijuana laws. Through milestone-based grant funding, eligible licensees will receive support for key business needs such as facility build-out, equipment acquisition, and other start-up expenses.

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“By launching the SEFA Grant Program, Delaware is taking a significant step toward ensuring that the state’s adult-use marijuana industry develops in a manner that is inclusive, diverse, and sustainable,” said Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin.

“This program is an essential component of our broader effort to build a regulated market that both protects public health and promotes equitable economic opportunity.”

Program details

• Eligibility is limited to approved social equity marijuana licensees in Delaware.
  
• Funding amounts vary depending on license type.
  
• Grants will be disbursed in phases as operational milestones are met.
  
• Funds are restricted to approved business expenses and will be subject to oversight.
  

The first distribution of SEFA funding is expected to begin in the coming weeks as licensees reach their required operational milestones.

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To assist applicants, OMC will host a webinar guiding licensees through the SEFA application process. Interested participants can register through the OMC SEFA Webinar Registration link.

Collaboration across agencies

The launch of SEFA was made possible through interagency coordination. The Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) played a key role in deploying the OMC Licensing application ahead of schedule, working with multiple state agencies to ensure readiness.

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