BLOOM ROC Cultivating Equity-Driven Cannabis Business Support in Rochester

As New York State’s legal cannabis industry takes root, one Rochester-based nonprofit is on a mission to ensure it grows equitably.

Precious Brown, President and Founder of BLOOM ROC

Precious Brown, president and co-founder of BLOOM ROC—short for Blossoming Leaders of Our Market—is leading a bold effort to empower small cannabis entrepreneurs, particularly in New York’s underserved regions, through direct financial support, compliance guidance, and hands-on business development services.

“This is about giving Rochester a fighting chance,” Brown said in an interview with Minority Reporter. “We’ve been out of prohibition for four and a half years, and our communities deserve a real shot at success in this market.”

Unlike traditional incubators or state agencies, BLOOM ROC is pioneering a never-before-implemented nonprofit model that offers operational stipends and targeted assistance to licensed cannabis businesses. Their aim: stabilize and scale these businesses from the ground up.

With support from Senator Jeremy Cooney, the organization launched their inaugural co-hort Tuesday at the Central Library on South Avenue, celebrating six businesses participating in their cannabis business incubator program.

“We’re the first nonprofit in New York doing this kind of work,” Brown emphasized. “We’re an incubation of ideas—strategically coaching, building sustainable operations, and preparing entrepreneurs to become investor-ready.”

BLOOM ROC’s work is grounded in confronting the legacy of injustice.

“The Nixon administration couldn’t declare a war on Black and brown people, so they declared a war on cannabis instead,” Brown said. “Prohibition devastated our communities. We’re still recovering.”

Rather than shy away from the cannabis industry’s controversial history, Brown leans into it. “We focus on truth and honesty. We talk about the real harms caused by prohibition—and how to move forward together.”

That forward movement includes educating the public and helping aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs navigate New York’s often-confusing regulatory landscape. BLOOM’s team is deeply versed in the state’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) and stays current on both federal and municipal policy developments.

“We’re in the business of compliance—we just happen to sell cannabis,” Brown said. “Whether it’s federal classification, state regulations, or local opt-in rules, we make sure the businesses we work with have all the tools to operate legally and successfully.”

From Xerox to Cannabis Leadership

Brown’s journey into the cannabis space is rooted in personal experience and resilience. Formerly an operations manager at Xerox, she turned to cannabis sales to supplement her income as a single parent when she found herself ineligible for state subsidies.

“I’ve been in cannabis for over 25 years,” she said. “I used to call it the ‘cannabis corporate closet.’ When legalization came in 2021, I came out—and I came out boldly.”

Her transition from underground entrepreneur to nonprofit founder is fueled by what she describes as “radical transparency” and a commitment to uplifting her community.

“I’ve always been fearless,” she said. “And I couldn’t unsee the devastation our people went through. So BLOOM is my answer—my way of being intentional and making sure we all have access to this trillion-dollar industry.”

A Roadmap for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

BLOOM ROC doesn’t just support licensed businesses—it also reaches out to the so-called “unofficial community businessmen and women,” encouraging them to transition into the legal market.

“My advice? Don’t be frustrated—be focused,” Brown said. “Understand the opportunity. Don’t suffer in silence. Seek support. That’s what we’re here for.”

She emphasized the wide range of license types available—from cultivation and distribution to microbusinesses and on-site consumption lounges.

“This is a billion-dollar industry already,” she added. “And we’ve already outpaced alcohol sales in New York for two consecutive years. In just a few years, we’ll be at five or six billion.”

Looking Ahead

As the state continues to expand access to the cannabis industry, Brown sees BLOOM ROC as a key player in ensuring the promise of equity becomes a reality.

“If you have the audacity to say you want to be in this industry, BLOOM is a resource for you,” she said. “We’re going to keep pushing, keep educating, and keep growing.”

For more information about BLOOM ROC and their services, visit bloomroc.org or email/call bloomroc585@gmail.com / (720) 998-7157