ARTICLE 6. Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development Initiative [14106. - 14109.]

Cal. Unemployment Insurance Code - UIC 6.

in effect

Cal. Unemployment Insurance Code - UIC § 14106. Section 14106.

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) Numerous studies have indicated the significant economic contributions of immigrants to this state and the nation as a whole. Businesses launched by immigrant entrepreneurs create millions of jobs, generate billions of dollars in revenue, and help revitalize communities. (b) California has the highest concentration of immigrant business owners in the nation. From 2007 to 2011, immigrants founded 44 percent of new businesses in the state. In 2016, undocumented immigrant entrepreneurs generated over $3 billion in business income in California. (c) In 2017, individuals eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) earned over $23 billion in income and paid almost $1.8 billion in state and local taxes; more than 43,000 were entrepreneurs, providing jobs and supporting local economies. Individuals granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) earned over $7 billion in 2017, and paid more than $890 million in federal taxes and over $650 million in state and local taxes. (d) Individuals who are not United States citizens or lawful permanent residents, or who are limited English proficient, face multiple impediments that may prevent them from securing and maintaining gainful employment. For example, due to actions at the federal level, DACA and TPS recipients, who are vital members of our communities and spark economic development, have been deprived of or are at risk of being denied certain federal protections, which will result in economic hardship for them and their families. (e) It is in the best interest of the State of California to enable these individuals to continue contributing to the economic vibrancy of this state, by supporting entrepreneurial opportunities to start and grow small businesses that will open up paths to economic self-sufficiency.

Cal. Unemployment Insurance Code - UIC § 14106.5. Section 14106.5.

For purposes of this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “California Workforce Development Board” or “board” means the California Workforce Development Board established pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 14010). (b) “SEED Initiative” or “SEED” means the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development Initiative. (c) “Target populations” means either of the following: (1) Individuals with limited English proficiency, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. (2) Individuals who are neither United States citizens nor lawful permanent residents, which includes, but is not limited to, individuals who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under federal law.

Cal. Unemployment Insurance Code - UIC § 14107. Section 14107.

(a) This article establishes the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development Initiative, to be administered by the California Workforce Development Board. (b) The SEED Initiative is aimed at economically disadvantaged groups who face significant barriers to employment, specifically individuals with limited English proficiency, or individuals who are neither United States citizens nor lawful permanent residents. While this includes individuals who have been granted DACA or TPS, the SEED Initiative is open to all individuals in the target populations, including but not limited to other immigrants, refugees and asylees, and United States citizens. (c) The purpose of the SEED Initiative is to support burgeoning entrepreneurship of individuals in SEED target populations, which will also increase the economic diversity of the state and help spur business innovation. Efforts funded under SEED are intended to supplement and be aligned with the broader workforce and education system in California. (d) It is the intent of the Legislature to allow persons who are not lawfully present in the United States, as members of the SEED target populations, to participate in and benefit from the SEED Initiative, and this section is therefore enacted pursuant to Section 1621(d) of Title 8 of the United States Code.

Cal. Unemployment Insurance Code - UIC § 14108. Section 14108.

(a) The SEED Initiative shall provide entrepreneurial training to individuals from the target populations and award microgrants to support them in launching or maintaining a small business in California. (b) Eligible uses of SEED funds include, but are not limited to, the development and implementation of the following SEED program components for any target population: an immigrant entrepreneurship training curriculum; microgrants and technical assistance to support small business development aimed at addressing a social problem or meeting a community need; community education and outreach about SEED; program evaluation; and program administration. (c) The board shall administer the SEED Initiative through nonprofit community-based organizations that will develop and implement SEED program components.

Cal. Unemployment Insurance Code - UIC § 14109. Section 14109.

For purposes of implementing the SEED Initiative, no entity or person shall seek information that is unnecessary to determine eligibility, including whether the individual is unlawfully present in the United States. Information that may be collected from individuals participating in the SEED Initiative shall not constitute a record subject to disclosure under Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026