WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE
NuProject works to build generational wealth via the legal cannabis industry for the communities most harmed by cannabis criminalization – Black, Indigenous, and Latina/o/x communities. NuProject helps diverse entrepreneurs grow their cannabis businesses by providing funding, financial coaching, and network connections NuProject has funded more than $4.8M in loans and grants and delivered 5000 hours of entrepreneur coaching to a network of 200+ founders.
100% of NuProject’s loans have been funded to socially and economically disadvantaged-owned businesses across six U.S. states and Canada. We’re more likely to call these businesses “historically-excluded” which references the long-standing systematic inequities that have kept certain groups of entrepreneurs from participating fully in the wealth-building asset of business ownership. Culturally responsive and mission driven, NuProject’s lending approach was designed for equitable funding, which means distributing capital to owners who receive less than their fair share of funding like Black and female entrepreneurs. More than 60% of NuProject loans have gone to Black-owned businesses and nearly 50% of loans have gone to women-owned businesses.
Founded in 2018 in Portland, OR to invest City of Portland’s cannabis tax revenue into support and services for the communities most harmed by the war on drugs, including funding cannabis businesses owned by minorities. Since then, other funders have joined our mission including cannabis companies like Wyld, Kites, and Ben’s Best Blnz to fund expansion to six states (Colorado, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Canada). NuProject’s newest economic justice fund is the State of CO’s $1M revolving Cannabis Loan Program for social equity licensees.
NuProject is committed to redirecting the typical flow of capital so that small business owners in the cannabis industry, especially those who’ve been historically excluded from access to capital, can access the resources they need to grow their businesses.
NuProject was started by the founding co-chairs of the Minority Cannabis Business Association and NuProject’s board is composed of cannabis industry leaders, equity experts, and 3rd generation entrepreneurs.
MEET THE TEAM
Jeannette Ward
Jeannette Ward is the CEO of NuProject, leading efforts to build generational wealth through the legal cannabis industry for communities most harmed by criminalization. She brings over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications, including leadership roles at Fortune 100 companies and pioneering work in cannabis technology and equity-focused policy.
Faith Anderson
Faith is the Vice President of Finance and Operations at NuProject, bringing over 20 years of finance and accounting experience across multiple industries, including cannabis. She specializes in building compliant financial systems and supporting cannabis entrepreneurs in understanding and strengthening their financial operations.
Dr. Brandi Hester-Harrell
Dr. Brandi Hester-Harrell, Program Director is a nationally recognized scholar-practitioner and equity strategist with over 16 years of experience in education, cannabis reform, and economic justice. Her groundbreaking research and community-based work have educated over 10,000 individuals and advanced inclusive, culturally grounded approaches to cannabis policy and workforce development.
Ivan Canicosa
As Operations Coordinator & IT Support, Ivan brings nearly two decades of experience across client relations, business development, and technology-driven operations. He is focused on identifying challenges and delivering practical, high-impact solutions that streamline processes, strengthen systems, and support organizational growth.
MEET THE BOARD
Marissa Rodriguez
Marissa is Co-Founder and COO of Nimble, where she oversees operations, compliance, and the systems that move products from seed to sale. With a background in operations management and cannabis compliance, she has helped scale businesses in regulated industries and is an active advocate for social equity and Oregon’s cannabis industry.
Mike O'Donnell
Mike holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management, and has led small business lending initiatives including Colorado Lending Source. He now leads Prairie Rose and serves on boards including Startup Colorado, NuProject, and the CDFA Foundation.
Geoff Sugarman
Geoff is a longtime Oregon political consultant with over 35 years of experience in criminal justice reform and marijuana legalization, including leading campaigns for the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act and the nation’s first Medical Aid in Dying law. He has served in key government and industry roles, including Chief Compliance Officer at Groundworks Industries, and is an original board member of NuProject.
Jonathan Ross
Jonathan is a Portland-based leader with a diverse background in diplomacy, Marine Corps service, and business strategy, known for building and scaling enterprise-wide CSR, DEI, and community initiatives. He partners with executive leadership to drive growth, lead cross-functional strategy, and spearhead impactful programs like the NuProject loan initiative.
Alex Tinker
Alex is a litigation and trial attorney at Tonkon Torp LLP, specializing in business disputes, corporate governance, and regulatory defense for OLCC licensees. He is a former chair of the firm’s Cannabis Industry Group and an active advocate for equity through board service and pro bono work.
Ferdie Ruplin
Ferdie is Corporate Counsel at KinderCare Learning Companies, with experience advising private and nonprofit clients on M&A, governance, and financings. He specializes in regulated industries, including cannabis and alcohol, and previously led the Cannabis, Beer, Wine & Spirits Practice Group at Tonkon Torp LLP.