Downtown Women's Center

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

Downtown Women’s Center

MADE by DWC is a social enterprise created by the Downtown Women’s Center to break the cycles of chronic unemployment and homelessness. They empower women to discover talents and develop skills by creating handmade, unique gift items that are sold in their retail locations.

Website

Milestones

2015: LA:RISE Partner
2018: Accelerator Fellow
2018-2019: Project Grant Recipient*
2021-2022: SNAP TA Partner
2023-2025: Growth Portfolio Member

*Past REDF program offering

Entrepreneur

Joe Altepeter

Populations Served

Industries

Consumer Goods & Services

Location

California

Downtown Women’s Center

Milestones

Entrepreneur

Populations Served

Industries

Location

REDF Impact Investing Fund: Summer 2024 Newsletter

RIIF’s Largest Loan To Date: A Closer Look at Suay Sew Shop

“I dream of you in colors that don’t exist.” | CEO Reflections from 2024 Community Retreat

Downtown Women’s Center

Downtown Women’s Center

Milestones

Entrepreneur

Populations Served

Industries

Location

Related News

REDF Impact Investing Fund: Summer 2024 Newsletter

RIIF’s Largest Loan To Date: A Closer Look at Suay Sew Shop

“I dream of you in colors that don’t exist.” | CEO Reflections from 2024 Community Retreat