Employment Social Enterprise (ESE) Program Year 2024-25 (PY 24-25)

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in collaboration with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, has announced the availability of up to $10 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Governor’s discretionary funds. These funds are part of the Employment Social Enterprise (ESE) Program for Program Year 2024-25 (PY 24-25). The grants aim to promote job training and transitional employment through social enterprise initiatives, targeting California's most vulnerable populations to help them achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency. The ESE program emphasizes supporting individuals at the initial stage of workforce integration by placing them in supported employment settings. These opportunities allow participants to earn wages, gain practical work experience, enhance job skills, and access essential supportive services. The ultimate goal is to facilitate their transition into stable, long-term employment. Eligible applicants for these grants include Employment Social Enterprise (ESE) businesses or providers working in partnership with entities such as public workforce development boards, human service agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, or community-based organizations. Individual applicants are not eligible to apply. Key dates for the program include the submission deadline for proposals, which is 3 p.m. PT on February 14, 2025. An informational webinar will be held on January 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. PT, with registration closing at 9 a.m. PT on the same day. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply via email to WSBSFP3@edd.ca.gov by 12 p.m. PT on January 21, 2025. The program is fully funded by a $10 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Applicants can access the full Solicitation for Proposals (SFP) on the EDD Workforce Development SFP webpage. For further inquiries or assistance, applicants may contact the EDD via their official website or email.