WIOA 101 covers the basics of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), how it is governed, and where the money goes within California. CA Rise ESE’s can look to tap into WIOA funding through formula funding by partnering with their Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) or through discretionary grant opportunities, like the WIOA-ESE grant. […]

The nation’s first statewide investment in employment social enterprises Launched in 2023, CA RISE (California Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise) marks the nation’s first statewide capital and capacity-building investment in employment social enterprises. In partnership with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), REDF serves as program lead for this $25 million investment […]

Employment Social Enterprises using a transitional model have a unique aspect of their model in placing individuals overcoming barriers to employment in jobs outside of their organization after they complete the program. Because of this, there is a need to develop a strong community of employers who can hire individuals coming out of the ESE […]

SGT Optimize: Work with a cohort of peer ESE leaders, guided by experts, to make your existing business (or businesses) stronger. You’ll leave with tangible takeaways on marketing, product/market fit, pricing, and budget analysis. The goal over this year-long cohort is to help you find the time to improve what you’ve always wanted (or needed) […]

SGT Scale: Work with a cohort of peers to go through a structured process with support from experts in exploring a new venture idea. This track will use concrete tools, such as the decision making frameworks, business canvas, operational analysis, and financial projects, all to help you explore and make a decision around the feasibility […]

EMT Optimize: Work with a cohort of peers, with expert support, to walk through ways to improve your ESE’s existing programming for paid participant workers. Examples of what you’ll learn, discuss, and takeaway, are: How to tailor programs to the focus population; creating a logic model to guide your program and align staff; strengthen employment […]

EMT Scale: Work alongside a cohort of peer ESE leaders and the guidance of experts, to test new program services for program participants. Examples of some of the meeting topics: Retention and alumni services; enhancing employee competitiveness for quality jobs; training frontline supervisors; and how to scale your programming. Best for ESEs who want: Guidance […]