Nevada County is launching the next round of its Good to Grow Grants Program, providing financial assistance to current legal cannabis applicants and to those individuals who are interested in entering the regulated cannabis market. Applications will be accepted from Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. through Oct. 30 at 5 p.m.; all applications will be reviewed.

“The cannabis industry in Nevada County is continuing to grow, but it can be cost-prohibitive for some to be able to enter the legal market”, said Matt Kelley, Director of Code & Cannabis Compliance. “These grants can help lower cost barriers, such as state, county, or fire district permitting fees, professional services for site planning, or other regulatory costs, while supporting an industry that protects our environment and safety of our community." 

In partnership with the Sierra Business Council, the County will be distributing approximately $440,000 in grant funding to eligible applicants and cultivators. Grant award amounts are not anticipated to exceed $5,000. 

Grant Workshops & Application

Sierra Business Council is hosting two workshops to answer questions for those considering applying:

• Oct. 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Board of Supervisors Chambers, Nevada County Government Center, 950 Maidu Ave., Nevada City, CA
• Oct. 16, 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. – Online (Zoom link): www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/GoodToGrowWorkshop

Applications are available online at the County’s Good to Grow website:  www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/GoodtoGrowGrants. 

Community and Industry Support

Diana Gamzon, Executive Director of the Nevada County Cannabis Alliance, highlighted the importance of the program and the funding opportunity:

"The grant funds will directly support our local cannabis industry by aiding businesses with capital to receive business support, infrastructure improvements, and permitting and regulatory assistance,” she said. “The cannabis sector has a significant role in our local economy, and these funds will promote business growth and employment opportunities while increasing tax revenue.”

Background

Funding for the Good to Grow Grants is made possible through the Local Jurisdiction Assistance Grant Program administered by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). In 2025, Nevada County was awarded a $500,000 grant to help reduce barriers to entering the regulated cannabis marketplace.

The grant program aims to support those who want to participate in the regulated market but may be facing economic or other significant restraints that previously prevented entry, i.e., those negatively affected by illicit cannabis cultivation. The Equity Program will assist applicants with costs associated with commercial cannabis, including local and state fees, licensing, regulatory costs, capital improvements, licensed professional consultants, environmental site development, best management/sustainable practices, business and employee education, training, and assistance with bringing properties into compliance.

To learn more, please visit www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/GoodToGrowGrants.