We are proud to announce that REDF has partnered with the County of Los Angeles Workforce Development, Aging & Community Service (WDACS) to distribute grant funds to 59 social enterprises and small businesses across the region. Collectively, these grants will avert 311 layoffs and help these small businesses weather the economic hardships caused by COVID-19.
Learn more about the County of LA Employer Assistance Grant Fund and its recipients.
LA County WDACS partnered with REDF to select these grant recipients and distribute the funds because of our collaborative and successful relationship managing LA:RISE, our 20+ years of experience as a grant maker, and our expertise in the employment social enterprise field. It was important for REDF and WDACS to ensure a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) lens to the grant review process. Two-thirds of recipients are people of color, women, or veteran-owned businesses, and many serve communities most impacted by the pandemic.
With millions of Californians out of work, the competition for jobs will be fierce as the economy reopens. The jobs, supportive services, and training that social enterprises provide will be in even higher demand by people whose experiences with homelessness and the criminal justice system not only make it difficult to access employment, but have left them vulnerable to the pandemic. REDF is committed to ensuring the social enterprise sector is ready to meet that demand so that no one is left out of the recovery.
