We’re so proud to say that employment social enterprise is now enshrined in law in three states (California, Indiana, and just this summer, Illinois!), and we’ve officially passed the $4 billion mark of revenue generated by the incredible businesses in our network since inception, which has helped 176,000+ people build their economic power. (Read all the latest stats like these in our interactive 2025 impact report — check that out now!)
These milestones are made possible by our incredible partners and funders, like Ballmer Group, who renewed their support for our work with a $3.5 million grant this summer. Momentum like this doesn’t come in isolation, so we thank you all for your role in helping build an economy that works… for everyone.
And now, check out some of the latest news from our programs, research, and partnerships below!
—The Redefine Alliance team
NEW RESEARCH: ESEs Highlight Solutions to the AI Dilemma for Frontline Workers
As the conversation about AI in the workforce develops, it’s essential to ensure frontline workers stand to benefit.
Our new whitepaper highlights emerging research and in-depth interviews with more than 20 ESE leaders across the country to offer an honest assessment of what AI means for frontline workers and their employers – and what ESEs, other employers who intentionally hire people facing barriers, funders, and policymakers can do right now.
Our first national convening as Redefine Alliance is in the books! Our 2026 Community Retreat was held in downtown Chicago, Illinois, this June.
With the changemakers at our retreat, we spent 2.5 days planning for how to keep building the world we want: from policy to unlock at-scale capital for the field to practices that drive economic power for those on the sidelines of the economy.
Take a spin through some snapshots from the retreat, and read our CEO Maria Kim’s reflections on our next steps.
Our Bridge to Behavioral Health Career Pathways program has been expanded!
This innovative partnership helps LA residents with employment barriers to access training and resources to help them enter and advance in the in-demand behavioral health field.
Illinois is now the third state to officially define employment social enterprises (ESEs) in law!
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker just signed House Bill 3751 into law. Now, ESEs can access supportive programming, technical support, grants, loans, and procurement opportunities — all with the goal of helping more Illinoisans to gain quality employment.
This August, seven Appalachian-based organizations graduated from our SNAP Employment & Training readiness program!
This program prepares organizations to apply to become SNAP E&T providers, which makes funding available for job pathways that help people with employment barriers.
Illinois is now the third state to officially define employment social enterprises (ESEs) in law!
APPALACHIA
