The Los Angeles Post

Employment Training Panel awards funding to 14 organizations to help immigrants and refugees start of maintain small businesses and cooperatives

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Employment Training Panel’s Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (SEED) Program empowers immigrants and refugees who aspire to start or grow a small business in California. Through trusted community organizations, SEED provides funding, training, and individualized support to help participants overcome barriers such as limited English proficiency and other challenges that can make securing employment difficult.

SACRAMENTO — The California Employment Training Panel (ETP) formally announced the intent to award $6.75 million to 14 community-based organizations under the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (SEED) program. The third round of SEED funding features two award types: $5.25 million for organizations supporting entrepreneurship training and $1.5M for those supporting worker cooperative and employee ownership programs.

ETP received over $70 million in requests from 124 applications during this most recent round of funding, greatly exceeding the available $6.75 million. Established in 2020, SEED is one of the most successful small business development programs in California and is the first of its kind in the United States.

“This investment enhances the capacity of community organizations that not only recognize the potential of immigrant entrepreneurs but also actively equip them with the tools necessary for their success. These organizations meet individuals where they are and help them build strong, sustainable businesses that ultimately strengthen both local California communities and contribute meaningfully to the resilience of our state economy. It is a privilege to continue the SEED program and to stand alongside organizations whose dedication creates lasting, transformative impact.” – Dr. Jessica Grimes, ETP Executive Director.

SEED recipients will award microgrants of $2,500 to $5,000 to entrepreneurs. Each organization has its own process for determining micro-grants. Some require entrepreneurs to complete required training, develop business plans, and submit receipts for eligible business expenses. The organizations report on their progress to ETP on a quarterly basis. SEED funds can be used for essential business costs such as permits, licenses, supplies, marketing, and equipment.

The awards include the following community-based organizations:

SEED Entrepreneurship Program ($5.25 Million)

  • California ETEC: $307,530
  • Caravanserai Project: $950,000
  • Chico Economic Planning Corporation: $246,024
  • El Concilio California: $307,530
  • Immigrants Rising: $655,971
  • Inclusive Action for the City: $410,019
  • MEDA: $922,589
  • Nurture: $215,270
  • Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center: $615,059
  • Time for Change Foundation: $307,530
  • Women’s Economic Ventures: $369,035

SEED Worker Cooperative and Employee Ownership Program ($1.5 Million)

  • California Center for Cooperative Development: $410,244
  • Democracy at Work Institute: $716,957
  • Project Equity: $316,242

Previous SEED funding rounds have expended in total over $27 Million:

*SEED 2.5 Funds were repurposed administrative funds from SEED 2 and awarded for first-time SEED awardees only.

The funds for SEED come from the State General Fund and not the ETP Core Program.

For more information about the ETP program, please visit www.etp.ca.gov, or call (916) 737-4181.