The EmployABILITY Business Grant, one of the four elements of the Demand Side Employment Initiative (DSEI), supports the growth of small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the state by incentivizing their efforts to create diverse and accessible workplaces.
Businesses from Yreka to San Diego have applied for grants providing up to $200,000 for equipment, new hire costs, training, consulting services, physical location improvements, and/or other needs related to hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. Thanks to its free and easy application process, the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) has received applications from a variety of companies in industries ranging from transportation to hiring to baking.
The panel evaluating applications has already awarded their first EmployABILITY Business Grants; however, DOR is accepting applications for the EmployABILITY Business Grant through December 31, 2023, or until funds are fully distributed.
To spread awareness for the grant, DOR partnered with Small Potatoes Communications to reach small- and medium-sized businesses with bold branding, online marketing, and strategic communications. In only five months, this partnership exceeded the EmployABILITY Business Grant goal for total applicants, with more than 65 applications submitted!
Stay tuned to see which businesses are awarded funding as we celebrate their business growth and the impact of their inclusive hiring practices!
