Employment Social Enterprise Grant – Program Year 24-25

Workforce Services Information Notice
WSIN24-27

Issued: December 27, 2024

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, announces the availability of up to $10 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Governor’s discretionary funds, made available through the Employment Social Enterprise Program (ESE) for Program Year 2024-25 (PY 24-25) Solicitation for Proposals (SFP).

The ESE PY 24-25 grants will support the design, development, and implementation of programs aimed at promoting job training opportunities and transitional employment through social enterprise initiatives. These programs will serve California’s most vulnerable populations, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency and life stability.

The ESE program focuses on the first step to transitioning participants into the workforce by placing individuals into supported employment settings, where they can earn wages, gain work experience, improving job skills, and access supportive services.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include ESE businesses or providers that collaborate with one or more of the following: a public workforce development board, human service agencies; public and private non-profit organizations; and community-based organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Deadlines and Important Dates

  • Proposal Submission: Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. PT on February 14, 2025.
  • Informational Webinar: An informational webinar will be held on January 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. PT. Attendees must register by 9 a.m. PT on January 14, 2025.
  • Notice of Intent to Apply: The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply by email to WSBSFP3@edd.ca.gov by 12 p.m. PT on January 21, 2025.

To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development SFP webpage.

/s/ KIMBERLEE MEYER, Chief
Central Office Workforce Services Division

Federal Funding Disclosure: This Employment Social Enterprise Grant Program is funded by a grant award totaling $10,000,000 (100%) from the U.S. Department of Labor, with $0 (0%) financed from non-federal sources.