• The Dream Fund Training Program is a specific training program and set of requirements to prequalify businesses to receive a Dream Fund Grant. Only businesses that are registered on or after July 1^st, 2019 will be eligible for funding following participation in the Dream Fund Training Program. If that is not you, but you are still interested in learning with us, the WBC at JEDI has extensive training programs available to all small businesses, and we encourage interested parties to get in touch with their local center here.

Funds are limited and only available to businesses that are eligible and complete all aspects of the training program. The WBC at JEDI anticipates that approximately 50 grants will be awarded through the WBC at JEDI Dream Fund Training Program. The program is first-come, first-served, and it is possible that not all who complete the training and counseling will be eligible for funding. The WBC at JEDI is not the final decision maker for the grant award. We are facilitating eligibility determination. For those who successfully meet those requirements and complete 80% or more of the training, the WBC at JEDI will send a code that will allow those participants to complete their grant application through Lendistry.

Our program is currently full. Please join the waitlist to be notified if additional spots open for this program. 

Entities that are eligible for up to $10,000 grants from the State of California:

• Must be able to demonstrate they are a business registered in California on or after July 1st, 2019.
• Must be able to demonstrate they are currently in business by the end of the program, meaning:
  • Has made a first sale; or 
  • Has hired at least 1 employee; or 
  • Has created a business banking relationship; or 
  • Has spent money on business expenses; this may include legal and accounting fees.
• Must complete all trainings of the program.

• Must agree to complete periodic surveys sharing business performance data.

• Must not have been employed by the WBC at JEDI or one of its centers in the past 18 months or be immediate family of an employee.

• Must not have received a Dream Fund Grant being offered by another entity.

In order to apply for the grant, you will need to demonstrate proof of business registration as part of the grant application.  

• Following your application submission, a WBC at JEDI team member will reach out to you to complete your intake and registration. Once complete please add our weekly online training schedule to your calendar. 
• Following successful completion of the 12 week training program a WBC team member will help you confirm any remaining steps and advise on any eligibility requirements still missing to apply to the CA Dream Fund Grant opportunity.  
• WBC staff will remain available to guide you in applying for the Dream Fund Grant and will continue to offer small business resources and support.  

• While these requirements are statewide and non-negotiable, eligibility can be accomplished while going through training. Meaning if you feel you can accomplish the eligibility criteria within the training period, you are welcome to sign up. Funds are subject to availability and will be prioritized for eligible businesses as they complete training and counseling. 

Yes, you must complete your application and consultation with a WBC at JEDI staff member before the first training on May 4th, 2022. Once you have completed all 12 weeks of training the Dream Fund Grant deadline is November 1st, 2022. 

The California Dream Fund is a statewide initiative, and there are other entities that are providing their own training program in addition to the WBC at JEDI. There is no restriction on how many programs an entity can sign up with, however, individual entities can only receive one grant. 

Please plan to attend all live training sessions. Remember, an 80% training completion is required to apply for the Dream Fund Grant. If you have extenuating circumstances that may prevent you from attending your training sessions please reach out to our staff for guidance by emailing us [email protected] or by calling 1-888-926-6670 

Neither income status nor citizenship status are questions that will be asked to determine eligibility. Applicants must be over 18 years old. 

The program is first-come, first-served, and all eligible participants who complete training and counseling before funds are fully expended will be recommended to Lendistry. 

The WBC at JEDI anticipates around 50 grants to be awarded to eligible businesses. 

• Certify and establish a business in CA
• Investment in working capital or equipment needs 
• Application/renewal/permit to operate as a sidewalk vendor
• Investment in Inventory
• Fees related to business formation and operations