Lauren Taylor

Our Vision
- Our VisionAn economy that works. for everyone.
- Who We BackWe partner with social entrepreneurs to amplify the success of their businesses and the people they employ.
- How We Do ItWe help our enterprises grow further, faster through a combination of capital, capacity building, and community support.
- ImpactOur partnership accelerates the growth and impact of the enterprises we back.
- InsightsWe evaluate what works and share our learnings to spark action for policy and systems change.
Our Work
- Our WorkWe invest in businesses that reveal and reinforce the talent of people breaking through barriers to employment.
- AcceleratorA six-month cohort-based learning experience for leaders of early-stage enterprises to springboard growth.
- Growth PortfolioA multi-year investment in growth-stage employment social enterprises to help them scale sustainably.
- Impact InvestingFlexible loan capital for employment social entrepreneurs whose lived expertise is their collateral.
- Gov. Partnerships & PolicyAdvocacy and public sector partnerships to advance the field.
- CommunityCurated space and resources to help our social enterprise partners connect, grow, and lead.
- WorkshopREDFworkshop is an open, free virtual capacity building toolbox to help you build, grow, and sustain high-impact employment social enterprises.
Investments
About
- AboutWe envision a thriving and inclusive society where all people have the jobs and the support they need to realize their full potential.
- Mission & CultureIt’s not just what we do, it’s how we do it that matters.
- Our PeopleWe’re a motley crew of leaders and learners dedicated to building an economy that works. For everyone.
- CareersKnowing your work is improving lives is not the only benefit of the job. View opportunities to join our team.
- Farber FellowshipGrad students bring cutting-edge skills and passion to help employment social enterprises reach their full potential.
- SupportersOur generous funders and individual donors make this work possible.
- HistorySince 1997, REDF has been using business as a force for good.
- FinancialsREDF achieves the highest levels of accountability and transparency.
News

As Principal, Lauren Taylor manages cohort learning and curriculum delivery for employment social enterprises.

Prior to joining REDF in 2020, Lauren founded the consulting agency Zero Gravity, which supports mission-driven startups at key stages of growth – launch, pivot, and scale. In addition to her for-profit work, Lauren serves nonprofits advancing entrepreneurship in underserved communities including the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Nasdaq Entrepreneurship Center, and SCORE.org, the mentoring arm of the SBA. Previously, Lauren was the senior education manager at BAVC and the technology coordinator for the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development, where her work was recognized by the Obama White House for pioneering tech education for opportunity youth.

She holds an MFA in Social Practice from CCA, a master’s in education from Portland State, and a BFA from Tufts University.

Lauren Taylor

Authored by Lauren

Building New Social Enterprises: The LA County EMI Incubator