New York City is advancing its support for legal cannabis businesses through the launch of the Cannabis NYC Loan Fund, aimed at providing funding to cannabis entrepreneurs. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster equitable growth within the cannabis industry while eliminating illicit operators. The Public Advocate's office is also actively working to strengthen small businesses by implementing legislation designed to prevent lending discrimination and alleviate financial burdens. In the broader cannabis sector, Green Check, a fintech startup, is making significant strides by verifying $1 billion in legal marijuana sales each month using its banking compliance software, which has enabled access to the financial system for approximately 11,000 cannabis companies.