A first-of-its-kind, $25M investment in employment social enterprises.

In partnership with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (with REDF serving as program lead), the California Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (CA RISE) delivers capital and customized technical assistance to businesses across the state that employ, train, and support talented Californians overcoming barriers to employment.

Together, these capital and capacity investments will grow the sector — and accelerate economic inclusion and mobility across California.

Fact Sheet

CA RISE Launch Press Release

CA RISE Partners

Local public partners, training providers, and private sector employers that expand opportunities for people who are typically not served through traditional workforce systems.

CA RISE Partners

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Access to capital

ESEs selected for CA RISE through a competitive grant process receive a one-time grant of between $100,000 – $500,000 to support investments related to the sustainable growth of their business, increased economic mobility among their participant employees, or, in some cases, both. (Grant award amounts are determined by the ESE’s operating budget.)

Grantees also obtain assistance in enrolling in additional government programs (e.g. SNAP Employment and Training) to explore other sources of potential funds.

Tailored capacity building

Grantees have access to:

cohort-based training on two learning tracks: sustainable growth and economic mobility
cohort-based and one-to-one customized technical assistance
a suite of tools and learning modules on REDFWorkshop, a virtual capacity building toolbox to help build, grow, and sustain high-impact employment social enterprises

Advisory services

Enterprises are assigned a relationship manager — aka a primary contact and trusted partner. The relationship manager’s goal is to be the glue and guiding light over the course of this grant. They will help grantees brainstorm how to strengthen their business and employment models and help navigate REDF resources.

Deepened connections

In line with our commitment to advance the employment social enterprise sector at large, REDF connects grantees with public partners, training providers, private sector employers, and each other to build a more integrated system that supports Californians in search of a new beginning.

CA RISE is an investment in revenue-generating jobs and businesses, in developing our workforce, and ensuring all Californians get a fair chance at economic opportunity.

We are confident that REDF’s deep expertise will support the work of each CA RISE participant and further the Governor’s vision of a California for all.