Cannabis Retail Employee Training Program - Call for Proposals

Applications for the Cannabis Training Open Call have closed!


The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is launching an open call for proposals, providing interested entities with the opportunity to apply for approval of their proposed cannabis training program in Ontario’s cannabis retail sector.

Through this process, up to two programs, in addition to the existing CannSell program, may be approved by the AGCO Board for a five-year term.

The AGCO is accepting applications until September 1, 2023.


Application Process

To apply, please follow these five steps:

Step 1: Review the guidelines. Before submitting your proposal, please review the application materials available on the portal. The Application Guide will provide all the information required to apply, including key dates, application and training program requirements and evaluation criteria, as well as the selection and approval process.

Step 2: Develop your proposal. Prospective applicants will be asked to complete the Application Package and provide answers on subjects related to the training provider and the training program. Applicants will also be asked to develop a workplan to demonstrate readiness.

Step 3: Submit your proposal by September 1, 2023. When you're ready to submit your proposal, you can do so through this online portal. The workplan, along with completed and signed forms, are able to be uploaded as separate documents on the portal. Please double-check that all the required information has been included in your Application Package before submitting.

Step 4: Wait for a response. The AGCO will carefully assess all information provided. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by the end of November 2023.

Step 5: Announcement of results. The AGCO will communicate the selection of up to two Board-approved training providers. Approved training programs would be expected to launch on April 1, 2024.


In order to be considered, applications must be submitted before 5:00 PM ET on September 1, 2023.

Should you experience any issues with the application portal, please email connect@agco.ca.

Applications for the Cannabis Training Open Call have closed!


The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is launching an open call for proposals, providing interested entities with the opportunity to apply for approval of their proposed cannabis training program in Ontario’s cannabis retail sector.

Through this process, up to two programs, in addition to the existing CannSell program, may be approved by the AGCO Board for a five-year term.

The AGCO is accepting applications until September 1, 2023.


Application Process

To apply, please follow these five steps:

Step 1: Review the guidelines. Before submitting your proposal, please review the application materials available on the portal. The Application Guide will provide all the information required to apply, including key dates, application and training program requirements and evaluation criteria, as well as the selection and approval process.

Step 2: Develop your proposal. Prospective applicants will be asked to complete the Application Package and provide answers on subjects related to the training provider and the training program. Applicants will also be asked to develop a workplan to demonstrate readiness.

Step 3: Submit your proposal by September 1, 2023. When you're ready to submit your proposal, you can do so through this online portal. The workplan, along with completed and signed forms, are able to be uploaded as separate documents on the portal. Please double-check that all the required information has been included in your Application Package before submitting.

Step 4: Wait for a response. The AGCO will carefully assess all information provided. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by the end of November 2023.

Step 5: Announcement of results. The AGCO will communicate the selection of up to two Board-approved training providers. Approved training programs would be expected to launch on April 1, 2024.


In order to be considered, applications must be submitted before 5:00 PM ET on September 1, 2023.

Should you experience any issues with the application portal, please email connect@agco.ca.

Ask the AGCO

Please submit any questions below and a member from the Open Call for Applications project team will get back to you as soon as possible. 

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Page last updated: 01 Sep 2023, 05:11 PM