NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Spring 2015 is turning out to be a fertile planting season for many ganjapreneurs in every state where marijuana is now legal. One of the biggest hurdles, however, is getting the right investors to the table. That is what makes deals if not cannabis companies grow.

Like several other similar conferences now sprouting up around the country, the Spring Marijuana Business Conference and Expo, held in Chicago in late May, offers that opportunity. Five cannabis industry entrepreneurs  are selected from a pool of applicants, to pitch their ideas in front of a live audience of industry professionals and experienced investors. This is an educational event only. Those who pitch do not win any award. Nevertheless, the sessions are highly popular with all involved and could help the start-ups secure funding.

CannaBusiness Media President George Jage, whose company organizes the expo, describes the