CANNABIS DISPENSARY STARTUP COSTS

Opening the doors of your cannabis dispensary requires a considerable amount of capital and unexpected costs can add up quickly. We’re here to help you know what to plan for and keep the surprises to a minimum.

Estimated Initial Investment – Non-Fund Candidates

The following table provides an estimate of the initial investment for a typical Far & Dotter Wellness Center, and the costs necessary to begin operation. (If you believe you may qualify for our Fund-sponsored Franchisee program, please click here to learn more.)

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

Limited access to conventional financing means startup cash is key in the cannabis world. Traditional franchise candidates need to have access to at least $1 million in liquid capital, although additional funds may be required depending on a variety of different factors and circumstances.*

Initial
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Liquid
Capital Required
$1,000,000
Initial
Investment
$1.2 – $1.7M

CURIO INVESTMENT FUND

The Curio WMBE Fund provides startup capital and financing to assist qualified franchise candidates who are women, minorities, veterans, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups in the establishment and operation of a Far & Dotter Wellness Center. This unique offering was built to foster diverse, equitable, and inclusive economic empowerment for eligible entrepreneurs to own a coveted part of the cannabis industry.

In order to be considered for the Fund-sponsored Franchisee Program, candidates must meet the Fund eligibility criteria and have access to a minimum of $150,000 liquid capital.

ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT

(Franchisee not sponsored by the Fund)

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TYPE OF EXPENDITURE  AMOUNT  METHOD OF PAYMENT  WHEN DUE 
Initial Franchise Fee $40,000  Lump sum  At signing of Franchise Agreement 
Pre-Opening Franchisee  Training Expenses $15,000  As incurred  Before opening 
Lease Payments $14,000 – $20,000  ($20,000 – $30,000 with Spa)  Lump sum  At signing of lease agreement 
Construction Services Fees & ADA Inspection Fee $10,000 – $12,500  No more than 3 lump sum payments  Before opening 
Center Design  & Build-out Costs $400,000 – $490,000  ($590,000 – $720,000 with Spa)  Lump sum  Before opening 
Fixtures, Furniture  & Equipment $225,000 – $275,000  ($235,000 – $291,000 with Spa)  Lump sum  Before opening 
Decor & Signage $15,000 – $19,000  ($20,000 – $29,000 with Spa)  Lump sum  Before opening 
Opening Inventory $140,000 – $160,000  Lump sum; as arranged  Before opening; as incurred 
Supplies $5,000 – $10,000  As arranged  Before opening 
Grand Opening Marketing $5,000 – $7,000  As arranged  During the first three months after opening 
Computer System & Required Software $51,000 – $57,000  Lump sum  Before opening 
Security System $90,000 – $100,000  Lump sum  Before opening 
Utility Costs & Deposits $3,000  As arranged  Before opening; as incurred 
Prepaid Insurance Premiums $6,000  As arranged  As incurred 
Cannabis License $20,000 – $70,000  As incurred  Before opening 
Permits & Licenses $4,750 – $5,250  Lump sum  Before opening 
Professional Services $16,000 – $21,000  As incurred  Before opening; as incurred 
Salaries $120,000 – $150,000  As incurred  Before and after opening 
Additional Funds for three months $10,000 – $15,000  As arranged  As incurred 
TOTAL  $1,189,750 – $1,475,750 (with a Far & Dotter Wellness Spa: $1,400,750 to $1,741,750) 

*All costs listed in the table are estimates only. Actual costs will vary for each franchisee and each location, depending on a number of factors. All payments and fees described are non-refundable, unless otherwise stated or permitted by the payee. Please refer to our Franchise Disclosure Document for more information about the initial investment for opening a Far & Dotter store, plus additional and ongoing costs and fee structure.

Christine Rhett

Graphic Designer
Your eye for design, Christine will ensure that your content, in-store collateral, and marketing materials are on-brand and visually striking. Christine previously founded her own design company, Chris X Creative, and led visual development for the Nature of Umi wellness brand.

Stephanie Schultz

Digital Marketing Specialist
Your marketing extraordinaire, Steph will support you in developing effective marketing campaigns that expand your customer base and grow your sales. Steph previously led marketing efforts for VOLO Sports and KETTLER Property Management.

Ashley Alberts

Training Manager
Your in-house professor, Ashley develops the training programs and educational content that ensure you are well-prepared to lead a F&D franchise location. Ashley previously served as a training manager for Texas Roadhouse and a Patient Care Advisor at our flagship location.

Andrew Mallinoff

Communications Manager
Your communications confidant and HQ project manager. Andrew previously worked in the political organizing world, managing campaigns and strategic communications for a variety of candidates at the federal, state and local level.

Nathan Podrid

Director of Real Estate
Your expert in navigating the real estate market as a potential cannabis business operator. Nate co-founded One Two Tree Holdings, a real estate investment firm specializing in the cannabis industry. He also served as the Director of Operations Development for Holistic Industries, a multi-state cannabis operator.

Jerel Registre

Fund Managing Director
Jerel comes to Curio having spent most of his career working with firms to drive financial, organizational, and analytical initiatives designed to maximize cashflow and value to investors. Prior to joining Curio, he led a private consulting firm that worked with small- and medium-sized businesses to drive financial and operational improvements by evaluating capital opportunities and identifying operational efficiencies.

Erica Tarnowski

Senior Director of Franchising
Your welcoming party and guide through the franchising process. Erica is steeped in experience in the franchising world, both inside and outside the cannabis industry. Before joining our team, she served as Director of Business Development at 919 Marketing and Franchise Development Manager for Unity Rd Cannabis Dispensaries.

Anthony Darby​

President​
Anthony Darby is the acting President of Retail at Far & Dotter and a three-time CEO within the medical cannabis space, having led multiple local dispensaries as well as consulting for cannabis start-ups nationwide. Anthony’s passion in providing high quality alternative medicine paired with his entrepreneurial experience, hands on industry knowledge, and understanding of unique challenges faced by cannabis operators has helped position him to lead the national expansion of the dispensary franchise developed by Curio Wellness and oversee brand marketing strategies to create heightened brand awareness as Far & Dotter scales.

Wendy Bronfein​

Founder
Wendy is the Chief Brand Officer and Director of Public Policy at Curio Wellness. As a member of the executive leadership team, Bronfein drives the company’s legislative agenda across multiple states, oversees the Curio brand, and all corporate communications. Under her leadership, Curio Wellness has become Maryland’s leading medical cannabis company, securing 90% brand awareness within the first year of operations.

Michael Bronfein​

Founder
Michael is the Chief Executive Office of Curio Wellness and an entrepreneur and investor focused on innovation and competitive advantage in healthcare services, healthcare technologies, software, and distribution. He has founded, co-founded, invested in, and rapidly grown a number of leading healthcare service companies, including NeighborCare, Remedi SeniorCare, and Sterling Partners.