The mere availability of applications for loans does not alter the requirement that half of all permits and local authorizations for a temporary state license go to equity applicants, nor the fact that general applicants who incubate equity applicants receive the next available general applicant permit or local authorization for a temporary state license.
These permitting restrictions were enacted by the City Council to ensure that unrestricted permitting only commences after equity applicants have access to funds needed to assist the start in this competitive business.
General applicants who have not yet obtained a local permit or state license who are interested in obtaining a local permit/authorization now, are encouraged to either partner with or incubate an equity applicant, either at the general applicant’s place of business or another permitted space in the City of Oakland. General applicants seeking equity applicants can utilize CannaEquity, a free matchmaking website for general and equity applicants.