Launched in 2023, CA RISE (California Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise) was 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) and Lendistry, REDF served as program lead for the $25 million investment from 2023-2025. The state of California invested an additional $17 million to implement another round of programming that will deliver customized technical assistance to businesses across the state that employ, train, and support talented Californians overcoming barriers to employment (see this link for details on how CA RISE defines these barriers). Together, these capital and capacity investments will grow the sector and accelerate economic inclusion and mobility across California.
REDF (Redefine Alliance) is seeking a consultant team to partner in the design and execution of CA RISE Incubator program. More specifically, this consultant will be asked to review current content and curriculum, design new content, build out workshops, provide coaching to a non-profit organization seeking to launch a revenue-generating business, and facilitate content over our 15-month program. Below are the key goals and learning outcomes for the Incubator program:
Incubator Program Goals
- Support nonprofits serving focus populations to develop & launch revenue-generating business lines that serve as a mechanism for providing their participants with work-based learning opportunities and long-term employment.
- Connect incubator participants with the broader CA RISE ESE community to foster collaboration and idea exchange.
- Build a pipeline of new ESEs who can participate in future CA RISE and REDF programs to increase economic mobility through employment and on-the-job training.
Learning Outcomes
- ESE Model Alignment: Determine whether the ESE model aligns with and supports their non-profit mission using a light feasibility framework & data-driven decision making.
- Experimentation: Design & execute experiments within their organizations, using the design thinking framework, to test the feasibility of business ideas and gather stakeholder feedback.
- Change Management: Apply a change management process to manage the journey of designing and incorporating an ESE in their organization.
- Launch an ESE: Within 15 months, launch a pilot of one business model idea within their non-profit with the support of dedicated coaching and resources from REDF & consultants.
Proposals should be sent to Saaleha Bey at accelerator@redf.org and are due by 11:59 PM Pacific time on Wednesday, April 15. Consultant(s) will receive notice of whether they are being considered by Monday, April 20. If you have any questions, please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or email accelerator@redf.org.
