(SeaPRwire) –   Applications are currently open and will close on May 11, 2026

NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 – Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. (“AWH,” “Ascend,” or the “Company”) (CSE: AAWH.U) (OTCQX: AAWH), a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operator, has announced a collaboration with NuProject to introduce ROOTS — Readying Opportunities for Operational & Trade Sustainability. This new business readiness initiative is crafted to assist small enterprises in the cannabis sector.

The ROOTS program delivers focused support and actionable tools to licensed cannabis operators and ancillary businesses in Massachusetts and New Jersey. It seeks to assist companies in enhancing their financial procedures and systems, reinforcing leadership methods, and getting ready for corporate procurement prospects in competitive cannabis markets. Applications for this group are being accepted now until Monday, May 11.

“Funding the ROOTS program extends Ascend CO-LAB’s dedication to fostering a more robust and fair cannabis industry. Our goal is to amplify our influence and expand our partnerships. The industry prospers by cultivating solid connections between large and small companies,” stated Danielle Drummond, Ascend’s Vice President of Social Equity.

Launching in May, the six-month program offers coaching, technical support, and organized training aimed at bolstering operational and financial preparedness. Participants will gain access to mentors, a flexible curriculum, and experts who will deliver essential finance and accounting services to enhance cash flow and financial acumen, which are vital for business steadiness. The program finishes with a chance for participants to showcase their businesses and expansion plans to prospective buyers and partners within Ascend’s supply chain network.

“Landing procurement agreements with major clients is a key objective for growth and stability for emerging companies, yet it can be difficult without links to decision-makers or an understanding of the required criteria. NuProject assists founders in securing their major clients, and we are excited to partner with Ascend to supply the resources for developing a group of founders equipped with the skills and readiness required to be strategically poised for expansion,” added Jeannette Ward, CEO of NuProject.

This initiative expands on Ascend’s social equity work, which focuses on individuals most impacted by the war on drugs and emphasizes shared growth, community investment, and economic access. Thus far, Ascend has held more than 60 expungement clinics across the country, contributed nearly $2 million to grassroots groups, and aided over 150 social equity and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) companies.

ROOTS extends NuProject’s mission of backing cannabis entrepreneurs via capital access and business guidance, encompassing over 5,000 hours of coaching and $4.9 million distributed through mission-driven lending.

Further details and the application can be found at: www.nuproject.org/roots

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is also accessible on the application page.

About NuProject

Established as a non-profit in 2018, NuProject supports historically marginalized cannabis entrepreneurs with low-interest loans and grants, practical coaching, and technical assistance to prepare for funding. Having deployed $4.9M in mission-based lending and delivered over 5,000 coaching hours, NuProject is tackling significant equity disparities for historically-excluded entrepreneurs.

About Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Ascend is a vertically integrated cannabis operator with holdings in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The company owns and manages advanced cultivation facilities, producing award-winning strains and a refined assortment of products for both retail and wholesale clients. Ascend manufactures and markets its proprietary brands, including Ozone, Simply Herb, High Wired, Honor Roll, Royale, and Effin’. For additional information on AWH, visit www.awholdings.com.

SOURCE Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.