The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) has been selected as the partner agency in District 4 of Riverside County to work with the Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions Department/Workforce Development Division (HWS/WDD) to assist and aid all businesses within the district area through a new pilot program, called the Employer Connect Program (ECP).

HWS/WDD received an award of $5,000,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which funds a partnership with local agencies throughout Riverside County to deploy the new program designed to change the way employers and communities bridge the gap between local businesses wanting to hire new employees and individuals seeking employment.

As part of this partnership, GCVCC will be creating a new full-time position and hiring a staff member to be the Workforce Liaison dedicated to the administrative oversight and day-to-day operations of this program.

After working through the program’s enrollment with the GCVCC, qualifying businesses will hire a new full-time employee who will undergo training provided by the HWS Continuum of Care Division (HWS/COC). Workforce Development will pay the new hire up to $20 per hour for the first 90 days of employment with the business with a maximum of 480 hours of reimbursement.

“We take pride in creating opportunities for the business community to learn more about regional development, training, and support resources,” said Brandon Marley, CEO of the GCVCC. “This new program will allow us to connect more businesses with underutilized resources available through Workforce Development, not only helping businesses hire staff, but increasing community collaboration and overall resilience.”

Businesses located within District 4 are not required to be current members of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce to be eligible or to participate in this program. Any business interested in learning more or participating in the Employer Connect Program should contact the GCVCC to begin the eligibility review and enrollment process. To be deemed eligible, employers must meet the following requirements:

• Physically located within Riverside County – District 4;
• Have less than 500 full-time employees; and
• Be able to provide proof of a valid operating license within Riverside County.

“The training provided through this program will teach employees about the many resources available within our community as well as how to identify and direct individuals to mental health services, housing assistance, and food relief programs, giving businesses and their staff the essential tools to develop and strengthen engagement strategies,” added Marley.

A minimum of 80 stipends will be issued to 80 employers in District 4 through December 2025.

For more information, contact the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce at (760) 347-0676 or visit GCVCC.

You can apply here.