[VSxCBM] Overcoming Banking Issues in the Cannabis Industry with Sahar Ayinehsazian

In this episode, Simone unveils her latest focus, centered on the crucial elements of success: money, mindset, and business. Simone explores the concept of achieving financial wholeness in the entrepreneurial journey, regardless of the industry you operate in. She emphasizes the need to build a business that supports you financially and allows you to realize a profit by adding value through your work. Financially Whole is an amazing 90-day journey that you will go through together one-on-one and as a group that will transform how you show up in business, your money mindset, and give you the sales, money and business systems that can make a massive shift in your business. Website: https://www.bewithsimone.com/ Financially Whole (program): https://www.bewithsimone.com/course/moneymastery  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.with.simone/

In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges faced by small businesses in the cannabis industry and the solutions that can help overcome them as Simone continues her conversation with Kenneth Mason, CEO of Equibis. Kenneth shares his insights on the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the cannabis industry, from navigating legal requirements to accessing capital and banking services. He also talks about the importance of having a strong support system and building relationships with other businesses in the industry. As a Chicago-based entrepreneur, Kenneth sheds light on what's happening in the cannabis business scene in the city, from new regulations to emerging trends and opportunities. About Our Guest Website: www.equibisaccounting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethmasoncpamba/ LinkedIn (Equibis): https://www.linkedin.com/company/equibis-accounting/ Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/ Connect with us! Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds

In this episode, we delve into the career transformation of Kenneth Mason, who went from being an accountant to becoming an entrepreneur empowering small businesses through Equibis. Kenneth shares his insights on navigating entrepreneurship as an accountant and the lessons he learned along the way. He also talks about his first dip into entrepreneurship and how it led him to discover his true purpose. Kenneth emphasizes the importance of staying true to his purpose and being clear on his end goal, which helped him overcome challenges and achieve success in his career. About Our Guest Website: www.equibisaccounting.com http://www.equibisaccounting.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethmasoncpamba/ LinkedIn (Equibis): https://www.linkedin.com/company/equibis-accounting/ Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/ Connect with us! Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds

Do you have a cannabis business that needs to raise funds? The process of fundraising can be difficult and time-consuming, so it's crucial for startup founders to have a strategic approach. In this episode, we delve deeper into business valuations and investing with Richard Bernard, Vice President of Houlihan Capital's Valuation and Financial Advisory Group. Here are some of the major topics we cover: How to begin the fundraising process for your company Tips for discussing fundraising with potential investors An explanation of the "SAFE agreement" and its key components Richard's insights on the current state and future of the cannabis industry, including perceived challenges Advice for anyone looking to enter the cannabis industry The most important lesson Richard learned when starting out About Our Guest Richard Bernard is a Vice President in Houlihan Capital’s Valuation and Financial Advisory Group. Mr. Bernard performs valuations for public and privately held businesses, business interests, gift and estate planning, financial accounting, and tax reporting purposes. His responsibilities include conducting due diligence, performing financial analyses, and drafting valuation reports. Prior to joining Houlihan Capital, Mr. Bernard was an Analyst in the Valuation Advisory group of Duff & Phelps, where he focused on business enterprise and intangible asset valuations for financial reporting and tax compliance purposes and portfolio valuations focusing on alternative investments. Website: https://www.houlihancapital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-bernard-08502b38/ Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/ Connect with us! Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds

Business owners must take into account numerous factors that heavily influence a company’s value. In this episode, Richard Bernard, the Vice President of Houlihan Capital’s Valuation and Financial Advisory Group, sheds light on the process of valuing businesses within the cannabis industry. Some key takeaways include: Bernard's background and involvement in the cannabis industry and his work with Houlihan Capital An overview of the evolution of valuations over the years and the current state of the industry Common valuation techniques applied to the cannabis industry The impact of taxation and the role of 280e on a company's valuation About Our Guest Richard Bernard is a Vice President in Houlihan Capital’s Valuation and Financial Advisory Group. Mr. Bernard performs valuations for public and privately held businesses, business interests, gift and estate planning, financial accounting, and tax reporting purposes. His responsibilities include conducting due diligence, performing financial analyses, and drafting valuation reports. Prior to joining Houlihan Capital, Mr. Bernard was an Analyst in the Valuation Advisory group of Duff & Phelps, where he focused on business enterprise and intangible asset valuations for financial reporting and tax compliance purposes and portfolio valuations focusing on alternative investments. Website: https://www.houlihancapital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-bernard-08502b38/ Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/ Connect with us! Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds

In this episode, we continue Simone’s conversation with Eric Canori and delve deeper into the topic of resilience and conquering hardships. Eric divulges his latest undertaking in cannabis cultivation in the New York market, the practices he adopted to cope with traumatic experiences, and his future aspirations. Eric Canori's memoir, titled "Pressure," is a captivating account of his journey towards perseverance, resilience, and personal growth. Through his experiences with money, sex, and drugs, he seeks love and acceptance, and his story serves as an inspiration to re-examine one's own life. The book highlights the fundamental elements of life, including our connection with nature, ourselves, and those around us. It is a poignant reminder of what truly matters in life. Website: https://www.ericcanori.com/ Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/ Connect with us! Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds

Before cannabis became legal in any state, Eric Canori was a prominent high-end cannabis dealer on the East Coast of the United States, responsible for smuggling over $300 million worth of the drug. In this episode, Simone interviews Eric about his journey and transformation as a former high-end cannabis dealer turned author and legal entrepreneur. Eric discusses his experiences living a fast-paced lifestyle, burying gold bars, and paying his way out of prison. He also reflects on writing his book 'Pressure' and his current involvement in the legal New York cannabis market. About Our Guest Website: https://www.ericcanori.com/ Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/ Connect with us! Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds

In this episode, Jen Flanagan interviews hemp industry expert Shawn Hauser. As a partner at Vicente LLP and a co-chair of the firm's Hemp and Cannabinoids Department, Shawn helps businesses navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the hemp market. Shawn shares insights into the differences between hemp and cannabis, and the unique challenges that hemp operators face in the industry. She discusses the current state of the hemp industry and provides valuable advice for anyone looking to start a hemp business. About Our Guest Website: https://vicentellp.com/ Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/ Connect with us! Website: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds

Join Jen Flanagan in this episode, where she talks to Sahar Ayinehsazian, a partner in Vicente LLP's Los Angeles office and co-lead for the firm’s Banking and Financial Services Access practice. Sahar shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in cannabis banking. Discover how to find a trustworthy banking partner, potential fees for cannabis operators, and the obstacles in cannabis banking. Sahar also provides valuable advice for cannabis operators and applicants seeking banking services. About Our Guest Website: https://vicentellp.com/ Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/ Connect with us! Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com Instagram and YouTube: @cannabisbusinessminds

In this episode, Jen Flanagan interviews Brian Vicente, Founding Partner of Vicente LLP and a pioneer in the cannabis industry. From the inception of the cannabis industry, Brian has been at the forefront of shaping the regulated industry. He shares with us his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the cannabis industry today for entrepreneurs and service providers alike and his vision for the future of this rapidly growing industry. About Our Guest Website: https://vicentellp.com/ Ask a Cannabis Expert: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ask-a-cannabis-expert/ Connect with us! Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com Instagram / YouTube: @cannabisbusinessminds