Unlocking Capital for Hemp CPG Brands: A New Era of Financial Opportunity

For years, operators in the cannabis and hemp industries have faced significant hurdles when it comes to accessing capital. Traditional lenders and financial institutions have historically shied away from offering loans to cannabis-related businesses due to federal regulations and the complex legal landscape surrounding cannabis products. This hesitance has left many cannabis operators without reliable funding options, often forcing them to turn to expensive, high-risk sources of capital.

However, there is a crucial distinction to be made between federally illegal cannabis and federally legal hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC at the federal level, opening up new possibilities for legitimate financial services. Yet, despite this legal clarity, many hemp operators—especially in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector—have still struggled to find fair, accessible lending options. Until now.

A Game-Changing Lending Opportunity for Hemp CPG Brands

Growise CPAs is proud to announce a strategic partnership with a trusted lender offering a groundbreaking working capital loan program tailored specifically for hemp CPG brands. This program brings much-needed financial flexibility to hemp operators, providing loans ranging from $10,000 to $1 million, with competitive, transparent rates of 1% to 1.4%. There are no personal guarantees required, and funds come with no usage restrictions, allowing brands to deploy capital where it’s needed most—whether that’s scaling production, investing in marketing, or launching new products.

This is more than just another loan program; it is a significant milestone for hemp businesses looking to solidify their financial foundations and grow sustainably. It represents a long-awaited shift toward fair, accessible funding for operators who have historically been underserved.

Why Access to Capital Has Been So Limited

Despite hemp’s federal legality, financial institutions have remained cautious due to the lingering stigma associated with the broader cannabis industry. According to the National Hemp Association, many banks still categorize hemp businesses alongside cannabis, creating unnecessary compliance hurdles and risk assessments.

Additionally, many operators struggle to present clear, audit-ready financials due to the industry's cash-heavy nature and the complexities of hemp accounting. Lenders typically demand well-maintained financial records, strong gross margins, and healthy balance sheets—requirements that many smaller or rapidly growing hemp brands may not consistently meet without expert financial guidance.

What Makes This Lending Program Different

This new working capital loan initiative stands out for several key reasons:

• Loan Sizes: $10K - $1M, allowing flexibility for small, mid-sized, and large hemp CPG brands.

• Rates: Fixed fees between 1% - 1.4%, far more reasonable than traditional alternative lenders.

• No Personal Guarantees: Operators' personal assets aren’t tied to the loan.

• No Restrictions: Funds can be used at the brand’s discretion.

What’s more, brands generating $10 million or more in annual revenue may qualify for a 20% line of credit, offering even greater financial freedom.

Growise CPAs: The Bridge Between Operators and Lenders

Growise CPAs plays a critical role in this program by ensuring that only the most financially sound brands enter the pipeline. With nearly a decade of experience in cannabis accounting and hemp financial strategy, we understand the unique pressures and regulations shaping the industry.

We assist operators in two key ways:

Financial Evaluation: We help the lender identify hemp CPG brands that exceed key financial benchmarks, such as:

• $20,000+ in monthly revenue

• Consistent $5,000+ bank balances

• Strong gross margins (30%+)

• Healthy net asset positions

Financial Preparation & Clean-Up: For operators close to qualifying but needing improvements, our team steps in to refine financial records, optimize cost structures, and prepare balance sheets. Our fractional CFO services ensure businesses are not only lender-ready but also positioned for long-term financial success.

Why This Matters for Hemp Operators

The availability of accessible, affordable working capital can be transformative for hemp brands. Whether it’s securing inventory, hiring staff, or expanding into new markets, this program eliminates some of the largest barriers to growth—without forcing operators to take on predatory lending terms or dilute ownership stakes.

It also signals something bigger: an evolving financial landscape where federally legal hemp businesses are finally being recognized as legitimate, fundable enterprises.

Ready to Access Capital? Growise CPAs Can Help

We’ve worked closely with cannabis and hemp operators for nearly a decade, helping them navigate tax compliance, financial audits, 280E complexities, and now—capital readiness. We’re excited to connect qualified hemp brands with this game-changing funding opportunity and provide hands-on support to strengthen financial foundations.

If you’re a hemp CPG operator ready to take your brand to the next level, schedule a complimentary review with Growise CPAs today.