2023 Social Impact Fund Partner: Cannabis Social Equity and Equality Development (S.E.E.D.) Initiative

Last updated September 8, 2025 | Published on September 8, 2025

The Cannabis Social Equity and Equality Development (S.E.E.D.) Initiative is dedicated to bridging the gap between community needs and the cannabis industry. The S.E.E.D. Initiative is committed to empowering Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) to thrive in the cannabis sector. The S.E.E.D. Initiative’s Growing Opportunities: Cannabis Workforce Empowerment project connected BIPOC communities with meaningful career pathways in the cannabis industry. By providing skill development, training and mentorship through partnerships with schools, trade programs and industry leaders, the initiative helps bridge systemic gaps in access and opportunity. 

Impact

• 104 participants in education, job placements or mentorship activities
• 20 educational courses developed
• 10 videos
• 10 podcast episodes
• 18 events held or participated in
• 12+ collaborators
• 98% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that S.E.E.D. had a positive impact on their learning and overall professional goals
• 100% were satisfied or very satisfied with the educational content provided by S.E.E.D.
• 95% of participants would recommend the S.E.E.D. Initiative’s program to others
  
  

Meet Michael Athill, executive director of S.E.E.D.

MICHAEL ATHILL

Michael Athill was the co-founder of North America’s first 100% Black-owned federally licensed cannabis cultivation and processing facility. With the S.E.E.D. Initiative, Michael and partners are looking to catalyze transformative change within the cannabis industry, making it more inclusive and equitable, and ultimately better for all.