A New Jersey entrepreneur is one of only two applicants — of nearly 800 that initially tried for it — to earn a franchise agreement with Far & Dotter, the inclusive cannabis dispensary franchise model from Curio Wellness.

The agreements with North Jersey-based Haider Rizvi, as well as with Sederia Gray of Mississippi, expand the Maryland-based brand into these two states, according to an Aug. 8 announcement. The company told NJBIZ that these are just the first two franchisees to be announced.

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Rizvi and Gray are the first two recipients of Curio’s Investment Fund, which “expands diverse ownership and enables economic empowerment through start-up capital for minority business owners to open their own Far & Dotter,” according to the company.

Far & Dotter said it will also assist these franchisees with each state’s dispensary licensing process.

“We are thrilled to officially announce our first licensing agreements with these very deserving entrepreneurs — a highly anticipated milestone that we have been working on since the Fund was launched,” Far & Dotter President Greg Miller said in a statement. “In a complex industry that is fast-moving and constantly evolving, we have solidified ourselves as a highly sought-after partner for those looking to bring a unique dispensary and wellness center model to their community. These individuals represent a highly motivated class of entrepreneurs that will pave the way for national expansion of the brand.”

Founded in 2014 in Baltimore, Curio Wellness is a cGMP certified, vertically integrated medical cannabis company and health care partner. Curio founded Far & Dotter as an inclusive franchise model.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 3:50 p.m. ET to clarify that nearly 800 applied for the franchise but only two were chosen as the initial franchisees. Also, a representative told NJBIZ that Rizvi is based in North Jersey.