Build the Bridge: A Lab for Founders, Creators, and Leaders
About this Event
Build the bridge before you make the ask.
Partnerships can open doors — but only when the ask is clear, aligned, and rooted in mutual value.
Build the Bridge is a hands-on partnership lab designed for founders, creators, cannabis entrepreneurs, consultants, educators, event hosts, and community builders who are ready to turn relationships into real opportunities.
Whether you are looking for sponsors, venues, referrals, guest experts, visibility, community partners, or resource support, this lab will help you move from “I need connections” to “I know my next partnership step.”
This is not just a networking workshop. It is a working session.
You will identify the type of partnership you need, map aligned partners, clarify what you can offer, draft your outreach message, and leave with a simple 2-week follow-up plan.
Bring your idea. Leave with your next partnership move.
What You’ll Learn
During this lab, we’ll cover:
- The difference between partnerships, sponsorships, collaborations, and resource support
- How to identify what kind of partner you actually need
- How to find aligned partners without chasing everyone
- How to create a simple “give/get” map
- How to write a partnership ask that feels clear and natural
- How to follow up without feeling awkward
- How to build relationships that support your next event, offer, project, or business goal
What You’ll Leave With
By the end of the lab, you’ll walk away with:
- A clear partnership goal
- A list of aligned partners to contact
- A simple give/get map
- A ready-to-send outreach message
- A 2-week follow-up plan
- More confidence around making the ask
Who This Is For
This lab is for you if you are a:
- Founder or small business owner
- Creator or content entrepreneur
- Cannabis entrepreneur
- Event host or experience curator
- Consultant or service provider
- Community builder
- Nonprofit or social impact leader
- Educator, trainer, or facilitator
- Professional trying to build stronger relationships around your work
This is especially helpful if you are building something and know you need the right people, places, platforms, or resources around you to help it grow.
This Is Perfect If You Need
- Sponsors
- Venue partners
- Guest speakers
- Referral partners
- Community partners
- Visibility partners
- Event collaborators
- Resource support
- Strategic introductions
- More confidence making the ask
What to Bring
Please bring:
- A notebook or laptop
- One business, event, project, or offer you want support with
- A few people or organizations you’ve been thinking about reaching out to
- An open mind and a willingness to work through the ask
About Explore Maryland Cannabis
Explore Maryland Cannabis is a Baltimore-based social enterprise dedicated to increasing cannabis education, awareness, and connection while reducing stigma and creating more accessible pathways into the ecosystem.
Through events, workforce development, business education, and community-centered programming, EMC helps people find practical entry points into Maryland’s cannabis ecosystem and build meaningful relationships that support growth.
Build the Bridge is part of EMC’s Small Business Pathway, supporting founders, creators, and community builders with practical tools to grow through aligned partnerships.
Agenda
🕑: 06:00 PM
Welcome + Partnership Reset
Info: We’ll define what partnerships really are and identify what kind of support you need right now.
🕑: 06:20 AM
The Partnership Types
Info: Learn the difference between visibility partners, venue partners, sponsor partners, programming partners, referral partners, and resource partners.
🕑: 06:40 PM
The Alignment Filter
Info: Use a simple framework to determine which partners actually make sense for your goals.
🕑: 07:00 PM
The Give/Get Map
Info: Clarify what you’re asking for and what you can offer in return.
🕑: 07:25 PM
Draft the Ask
Info: Build a simple outreach message you can send after the lab.
🕑: 07:45 PM
Follow-Up Plan + Next Steps
Info: Create a 2-week follow-up rhythm so your outreach does not stop after the first message.
Where is it happening?
USD 39.19 to USD 105.35
