$10.8 Million SEED Investment Will Help More Immigrant Entrepreneurs Launch and Grow Businesses

New State Funding Sets Stage for Next Chapter of Immigrant Entrepreneurship in California

SACRAMENTO, CA –  On June 29, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the state’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, which includes $10.8 million for the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (SEED) program. This investment will enable community-based organizations to provide entrepreneurship training, technical assistance, and microgrants to immigrants and individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

The Economic Mobility for All (EM4A) Coalition and SEED co-sponsors — California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC), Immigrants Rising, Inclusive Action for the City, and Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI) — co-led advocacy efforts to secure this investment. The coalition extends its deep appreciation to Assemblymember Juan Carrillo and Senator Josh Becker for their continued leadership in championing immigrant entrepreneurship in the state budget. We also thank the Newsom Administration, Assembly, and Senate leadership for their continued commitment to small businesses across the state!

California is home to the largest immigrant population in the country. Immigrants make up 40.3% of all entrepreneurs in the state, with 880,900 immigrant-owned businesses generating $28.4 billion in business income — helping position California as the world’s fourth-largest economy. At the same time, the Trump administration’s ongoing federal attacks on immigrant communities — including the attacks on programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) — are destabilizing the same workers and entrepreneurs who power California’s economy. SEED provides a critical, innovative, and proactive pathway to economic mobility at a time when federal protections are being stripped away.

Since its launch in 2020, SEED has become one of the state’s most successful immigrant economic and workforce development programs. With $37.5 million invested over five years, SEED has empowered immigrants throughout California to start and grow businesses, building economic stability and wealth in communities that have historically faced barriers to entrepreneurship.

“The SEED Initiative is about creating real pathways to economic mobility for Californians who have too often been left behind. I was proud to help champion this $10.8 million investment because economic development and career advancement are essential to strengthening our communities and our state’s economy. This funding will expand opportunities, support working families, and ensure more Californians have access to the training they need to build brighter futures,” said Assemblymember Juan Carrillo.

“California’s immigrant communities are a cornerstone of our economy, creating businesses, jobs, paying taxes, and contributing billions of dollars to our state’s economic success. I’m proud we secured $10.8 million in this year’s state budget for the SEED Initiative, which will help thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs access the training, technical assistance, and resources they need to start and grow businesses. SEED is an investment in economic opportunity, workforce development, stronger local economies, and California’s future,” said Senator Josh Becker. 

“California has always been built by immigrants, and this budget reflects that legacy. Additional funding for the SEED Initiative signals to the nation that California is committed to ensuring all residents — regardless of immigration status — can fully pursue their economic potential. Expanding job pathways through immigrant entrepreneurship addresses affordability, meets real community needs, and has the power to transform California’s economy for the benefit of all,” said Edgar Ortiz, Supervisory Policy Manager of Economic Justice of the California Immigrant Policy Center.

“When immigrants are increasingly excluded from the economy, this investment in SEED sends a resounding message: immigrants belong in every facet of our society, and their economic mobility is essential to our shared prosperity. SEED has played an essential role in proactively creating an innovative pathway to economic mobility, while simultaneously empowering immigrants in California to bring their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. A reinvestment in SEED is a testament to the power of immigrant entrepreneurs’ resilience and agency,” said Dr. Iliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising.

“While the federal government is attacking immigrants, California is standing up for them. Today, we celebrate a critical state investment in immigrant entrepreneurship that honors the incredible contributions of immigrant business owners and helps ensure pathways to entrepreneurship remain inclusive. Not only is it the moral thing to do, it’s the responsible thing to do for our state and our economy. We were proud to be a part of this advocacy effort, and we will continue to fight for immigrant entrepreneurs and the resources our communities deserve,” said Amy Chong, Senior Policy Associate of Inclusive Action for the City.

“We are thrilled to see that California’s Governor committed to continuing to elevate and support the economic well-being of immigrant entrepreneurs at this moment when our communities are experiencing many challenges and attacks from the federal government. This marks a critical win by our immigrant communities, and a marker for our continuing work towards building economic stability and better livelihoods,” said Vanessa Bransburg, Co-Executive Director of Democracy at Work Institute. 

The EM4A Coalition will continue to advocate for expanded funding and support for our communities to meet the scale of need across California.

About the Economic Mobility for All Coalition

The Economic Mobility for All (EM4A) Coalition is comprised of over 80 organizations across California committed to expanding access to career, training, and education opportunities for all Californians, regardless of immigration status.

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