Center for Employment Opportunities

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 five-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

Center for Employment Opportunities

Center for Employment Opportunities is a national organization that provides life skills education, transitional work experience, placement services, and post-placement support to previously incarcerated individuals. CEO puts crews of employees to work on grounds-keeping and road maintenance projects for municipal agencies. Currently operating in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Colorado, and California, CEO’s vision is that anyone with a recent criminal history who wants to work has the preparation and support needed to find a job and to stay connected to the labor force.

Website

Milestones

2011-2020: Growth Portfolio Member
2017: LA:RISE Partner

*Past REDF program offering