Frequently Asked Questions
Please see the FAQ below to learn more.
Q: Who will review and score my social equity application?
A: The social equity contractor, Ponder Diversity Group (PDG) will review, validate and score all of the applications submitted. The responsible PDG attorneys have a law practice that focuses on developing and implementing supplier diversity and related programs and initiatives that promote minority and women businesses, as well as diverse communities.
Q: How can I obtain the application to complete?
A: Applicants should go to the Social Equity Contractor website to access and complete the online application and to upload their supporting documents.
Q: May I submit multiple applications, as long as I have a majority ownership interest in only one cannabis business enterprise that applies?
A. No. You may not submit multiple applications under any circumstances. Each applicant is permitted to submit only one application for a social equity license.
Q: Where can I go if I need assistance in completing my application?
A: After applying through Business Licensing Services, the Social Equity Contractor is the point of contact until scored and ranked applications are given over to LCB. Applicants could reach out to any technical assistance organization or agency in Washington state. We have identified a number of technical assistance organizations/agencies that may be able to provide you application assistance.
Q: May I submit a hard copy of the application and supporting documents if I don’t have access to a computer?
A: No. If you don’t have access to a computer, you should make arrangements to submit your application and upload your supporting documents at a technical assistance agency.
Q: May I select more than one preferred jurisdiction?
A: No. Each applicant is permitted to select only one preferred jurisdiction.
Q: How do I know which documents I should submit with my application?
A: The application includes detailed instructions and a document checklist which provides applicants guidance about the documents to submit to verify the information in their application.
Q: Who will have access to my application and supporting documents?
A: The confidentiality of your application and supporting documents are very important to WSLCB and the social equity contractor. Only persons who are affiliated with the social equity contractor that are directly involved in the evaluation, verification, scoring and/or ranking of your application will have access to your application and supporting documents.
Q: Will I be informed of any missing documents and allowed to submit them? If yes, how will I be informed?
A: Yes. The social equity contractor will inform you via an electronic notification if your application is missing any information and/or documents. You must respond to requests for additional information/documents in a timely manner and no later than 14 business days.
Q: May I or my advocate meet with or call the social equity contractor to discuss my application?
A: No. The social equity contractor is not meeting, in person or telephonically, with applicants or their advocates, in order to maintain the integrity of the application process and prevent any applicant from obtaining a competitive advantage. However, applicants may submit questions about the application process to: SocialEquityContractor@pdg-law.com. Responses will be provided via email by the social equity contractor within two (2) business days.
Q: Who developed the Scoring Rubric?
A: The Scoring Rubric was developed and approved by the WSLCB.
Q: Does the social equity contractor have to use or follow the WSLCB Scoring Rubric to evaluate and score all applications?
A: Yes. The social equity contractor must use the WSLCB Scoring Rubric to evaluate and score all applications. It cannot change or modify the Scoring Rubric.
Q: How long will it take the social equity contractor to complete their evaluation of each application?
A: The evaluation time will vary depending on whether a complete application is submitted. The social equity contractor is allocating three (3) months for an application to be processed after the submittal of a complete application with all of the required supporting documentation.
Q: How will the social equity contractor ensure that the evaluation process is fair to all applicants?
A: The social equity contractor will use the WSLCB Scoring Rubric to evaluate and score all applications. It will also seek to verify the information in each application by reviewing the supporting documentation submitted and available legal research platforms and tools.
Q: Do I have to be a racial minority to get a social equity license?
A: No. Individuals of any race are welcome to apply for a social equity license if they meet the requirements for social equity applicants. Individuals do not need to be a racial minority to apply for or receive a social equity license.
Q: If I am not granted a social equity license, may I submit another application during the next window? If yes, when is the next window?
A: Yes. The date of the next application window has not been established by the WSLCB. When it is established, it will be promptly publicized on the website of WSLCB.
Q: If my family member was arrested or convicted for cannabis, can we both submit an application?
A: Yes. You and your family member may submit an application jointly or separately provided that both of you are a true party of interest (TPI) in only one application.
Q: Who makes the final decision on my social equity application?
A: The WSLCB makes the final decision on all applications.
Q: What is the next step after a final decision is made on my social equity application?
A: Applicants will be notified, in writing, of the final decision of WSLCB regarding their social equity license.
Q: What can I do if I am not allowed to proceed to the next step in the application process?
A: An applicant or licensee may request an administrative hearing to contest the disposition of its application for a social equity license.