
Your Advisory Group is Only as Good as Their Network
Carpfish Creative Advisors has formed strong partnerships with top professionals in the cannabis industry, including consultants, legal experts, technical service providers, and security specialists. Our mission is to help you not only secure your cannabis license but also successfully navigate the entire lifecycle of a profitable business.
Starting a cannabis business can be rewarding yet challenging. It requires careful planning and a solid understanding of legal and regulatory requirements. Key steps include addressing legal considerations, developing a business plan, securing financing, and implementing marketing strategies. With support from Carpfish Creative Advisors, you can confidently tackle the complexities of launching and operating your cannabis business.

Dec 11, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMThe Minnesotan, 2186 4th St, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, USAJoin Minnesota cannabis founders, operators, and investors for an informal happy hour focused on real conversations, deal flow, and what’s next for the state’s cannabis market. Network with vetted entrepreneurs, learn what investors are actually looking for in 2025, and build relationships that...
Business Creation, Application & Licenses
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Getting a cannabis license can be complicated, but having the right help makes it easier. Whether you're starting a dispensary, a growing facility, or a manufacturing business, you need a skilled team to guide you.
Our experts assist businesses in obtaining licenses while following state and local laws. We work with partners like Cannaspire, CannDelta, and Canna Advisors, among others. We offer a range of services, including help with state and business filings, employee and tax services, creating your brand, and managing your operations. We also provide important documents like financial statements and employee handbooks. Additionally, we support community events and government initiatives and offer print and digital media services.
Looking to buy or sell your cannabis business/license? We also help clients through this process.
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Cannabis Funding & Banking

The cannabis industry necessitates considerable capital investment due to substantial startup expenses, including licenses, equipment, legal fees, and real estate, along with ongoing operational costs. Traditional bank loans are predominantly inaccessible to cannabis businesses owing to federal regulations; therefore, it is essential to explore alternative financing options.
Potential funding sources include cannabis-specific lenders such as our direct partners FundCanna and LoanVisor, as well as investors, cannabis banks, credit unions, grants, rebates, and crowdfunding platforms. Our advisory services are available to assist you in identifying and accessing the most suitable financing pathways for your cannabis venture.
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Project & Event Management

Carpfish Creative offers a comprehensive range of project management services specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, with a particular emphasis on high-risk sectors such as cannabis, gaming, and hemp/CBD. Our methodology integrates business consulting, technology integration, and strategic partnerships with leading providers of project management software to deliver solutions that are efficient, scalable, and compliant with industry regulations.
Our project management solutions address several critical areas, including consulting and advisory services, the selection of optimal project management tools, document and data management, as well as tools for team collaboration and communication.
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Organization Solutions & Rapid Network Buildouts

By integrating the capabilities of our established Creative Network with our deployment services focused on network development, we empower cannabis enterprises to operate efficiently while simultaneously broadening their professional connections. This strategy ultimately fosters growth and success in the increasingly competitive cannabis market. The following outlines our areas of assistance:
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Industry Insights
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Leading Partnerships and Collaborative Opportunities
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Compliance and Regulatory Support
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Participation in Industry Events
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Caputuring Payments In Cannabis

Carpfish Advisors facilitates connections between premier brands and the Midwest marketplace through our extensive network of national partners. As advisors, we provide customized solutions that align with your business model. Upon the launch of your projects, the Carpfish Creative Advisor will ensure that you continuously utilize optimal solutions for your business model while achieving the lowest possible costs. Our offerings include:
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Cannabis-specific point-of-sale systems
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Payment processing solutions for both cannabis and non-cannabis transactions
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E-commerce and third-party sales platforms
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Seed-to-sale systems (Cannabis ERP) in collaboration with Canix
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Payment services for all business types, including government and other high-risk entities
LEARN MORE: TAKING CARD PAYMENTS | ONSITE ATMS
Human Resources (Onboarding to 401k)

Hiring the right team is critical to the success of your cannabis business. Look for individuals who are knowledgeable about cannabis, and be sure to provide training on:
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Compliance: Employees must understand and follow local, state, and federal regulations, such as age verification, product labeling, and safety protocols.
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Customer Service: In retail businesses, customer service is key. Ensure your staff is knowledgeable and helpful in answering customer questions. Make sure your partners do the same.
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Product Knowledge: Whether you're selling cannabis flower or edibles, your employees should understand the products’ effects, dosages, and best uses.
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Company Documentation, such as Employee Handbooks, etc.
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Employee Background Checks (Verified and Non-Verified)
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Setting up Payroll, Bookkeeping, and Human Resource Services
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Brand, Marketing & Sales Enablement

Branding and marketing are crucial for the success of your cannabis business. Here are some ideas:
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Creating a Brand Identity: Develop a strong brand that resonates with your target market. This includes a memorable logo, brand colors, and consistent messaging.
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Website & E-commerce: Create an online presence with a website where customers can learn about your products and services. If you are in retail, consider offering an online store for delivery or pickup.
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Social Media: Cannabis businesses can face advertising restrictions on platforms like Facebook or Google. However, you can still leverage platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to engage with customers and build awareness. Develop/manage campaigns to boost overall brand or new products
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Community Engagement: Sponsor or participate in local events, offer educational workshops, or collaborate with influencers to spread the word about your business.
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Print and Digital Design Services
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Hardware/Software/Equipment Procurement

We ensure that you have the right systems in place for your business model to thrive. Our commitment goes beyond establishing excellent initial contracts; we also monitor them closely over time. This vigilance helps you avoid overpaying and maximizes your revenue potential. We achieve this by collaborating with both local and national partners.
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Business Security & Risk Assessment
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Commercial Real Estate
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Managed IT & Security, Event Security
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Commercial Cannabis Construction
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Compliance and Legal Services
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Insurance Selection
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Wholesale, Delivery & Transportation Services
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Government Tax Credit Programs & Grants
Constructing a Framework for Ongoing Success

Once your business is up and running, it’s important to regularly assess performance and adapt as needed:
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Business AI Tools & Technology
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Financial Monitoring: Regularly track your cash flow, expenses, and profits. Ensure you stay on top of your tax obligations, as the cannabis industry is often taxed at higher rates.
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Customer Feedback: Gather customer feedback through surveys, reviews, and direct communication to ensure your products and services meet their needs.
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Compliance Updates: Stay informed about changes to local and state regulations, which may impact your business operations. Unlike other industries, not staying up-to-date on compliance and rule changes could cost you your business!
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Scaling your Product Line: Offer additional cannabis products like tinctures, topicals, or wellness-related products.
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Open Additional Locations: If you’ve built a successful operation in one area, consider expanding to new cities or states.
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Develop Partnerships: Collaborate with other businesses in the cannabis ecosystem, such as cultivators, manufacturers, or delivery services, to offer more value to your customers.





