"As we close out 2025, I am deeply grateful for the remarkable progress we have achieved this year inspired by the strong partnerships that continue to propel our work forward. The dedication of our staff, community partners, and local stakeholders has enabled the Employment and Economic Development Department (EEDD) to strengthen program, expand essential services, and support the..." Read More
EDA & RLF Board Members
Program Updates
San Joaquin County Façade Enhancement Grant Program
The Façade Enhancement Grant offers up to $25,000 to qualifying commercial properties in unincorporated San Joaquin County. Properties must be in an unincorporated area, located in a Qualified Census Tract or Difficult Development Area, and zoned Commercial or Industrial. We currently have 14 approved projects, with eight completed! If you know anybody who would qualify in Districts 2, 3, 4, or 5 tell them to Apply Today!
Standing Together Against All Regional Theft (STAART)
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce's STAART Initiative has recently expanded and added a powerful addition to take action against issues such as human trafficking, illegal dumping, sideshows, and narcotics.
Through this program, there have been 205 camera system grants awarded, with many more to go! If interested in a camera system for your business go to FastSTAART.com to learn more and apply.
San Joaquin County Spark Relief Grant
The Spark Relief grants provide up to $5,000 in reimbursement for qualifying utility bills to small businesses that experienced financial loss due to COVID-19.
So far, 197 applications have been approved, and we're still accepting more! If you know a business that was financially impacted by the pandemic, encourage them to Apply Today!
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Open Innovation Centers continue to grow the Incubator program, having hosted over 70 workshops for young entrepreneurs in San Joaquin County who are eager to start a business or work for themselves. Currently, there are over 100 active participants, all working hard to achieve their entrepreneurial goals. To find out about their next classes click on the link below!
Hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), these workshops help business owners earn certifications that open the door to bid opportunities with public agencies. Each cohort takes place over three days and is a great opportunity to strengthen your business and compete for new contracts.
In partnership with the Family Resource & Referral Center of San Joaquin, this initiative supports childcare through programs that grow the number of Family Child Care Homes, expand existing providers, offer specialized training for infants, toddlers, and children with special needs, and help informal caregivers gain the training and certifications needed to become licensed providers.
So far, 92 participants across the five different classes have completed their trainings and are now equipped to enhance the quality of childcare in San Joaquin County.
If you're interested in learning more or participating, please reach out to childcare@frcsj.org.
Healthcare Workforce Development
In partnership with HealthForce Partners,this program is dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening San Joaquin County’s healthcare workforce. This initiative has awarded scholarships to fifteen University of the Pacific students and five California State University, Stanislaus students, supporting the development of the next generation of healthcare professionals.
From Our Business Community: Incubator Testimonial
"Building a business, whether new or small or just in need of some well-earned guidance, working with SJC Incubator has been an amazing experience. It takes real experts to fill in the gaps where knowledge and experience are lacking, and they have delivered beyond expectations. Thank you!"
- The Spear Genesis Groups, LLC
From Student to Public Service Professional: A WorkNet Success Story
Gisela, a Stockton native, came to the Stockton WorkNet during one of the most difficult transitions of her life. After relocating back to California from Texas to leave a toxic relationship, she found herself starting over as a single parent; emotionally drained, financially strained, and unsure of what her future could look like. With limited resources and only a few belongings to her name, she sought a path forward towards stability... Read More
Highlights from Recent Events
Tracy Chamber Coffee Mixer at Tracy WorkNet
On September 9th, The Tracy Chamber of Commerce held their monthly coffee mixer at our Tracy WorkNet Center. We are grateful for the new connections and community support!
Stockton WorkNet Youth Job & Resource Fair
On September 19th, our Youth Job & Resource Fair was a massive success with 185 youth connecting with employers, exploring career paths and accessing community resources!
STEP Appreciation Celebration
On October 1st, we held our first ever STEP Appreciation Celebration to honor the incredible contributions of our STEP students, their families, and our employer partners.
Stockton Chamber's October Tradeshow Spooktacular
On October 2nd, The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce held their October Tradeshow event where our team engaged with local businesses and shared our resources with them.
California Economic Summit
Our team attended this years California Economic Summit on October 22nd and 23rd held here in Stockton. We were thrilled to welcome leaders from across the state right here in Stockton!
SJPAC Get Connected
The San Joaquin Public Agency Consortium (SJPAC) held its Fall "Get Connected" event at the Robert Cabral Agriculture Center on October 30th. Aimed at helping local businesses connect and learn about contracting and procurement with local and state agencies.
2025 State of the County Address
On October 16th, The Board of Supervisors held the annual State of the County Address at University of the Pacific. Our team tabled this public event and even had Chair Supervisor Canepa to stop by our booth!
Stockton WorkNet Spooky Job Fair
On October 30th, we held a Halloween themed job fair where employers and resource partners came together to provide over 110 job seekers with a day full of opportunities, networking, and connections. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and dressed up to make it a truly special event!
Employment & Economic Development Updates
San Joaquin County EDA Receives Certificate of Recognition from the Board of Supervisors!
Our team is truly honored to have been recognized by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors with a Certificate of Recognition for our dedication to advancing the economic vitality of our community. This recognition reflects the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of our entire team. Thank you for acknowledging the work we do to help San Joaquin County thrive and we look forward to continuing our efforts!
North Valley Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP)
The North Valley THRIVE's Advanced Manufacturing Activation Plan is a regional effort aimed at positioning the North San Joaquin Valley (NSJV) as a hub for innovation-driven, climate-aligned manufacturing. By modernizing infrastructure, supporting technology adoption, strengthening workforce pipelines, and building a unified regional identity, the plan seeks to help the region become a destination into California's premier "Translation Destination" for next gen manufacturing.
For San Joaquin County businesses, this means expanded resources to support growth and competitiveness. Local manufacturers, especially small and mid-sized firms, will benefit from technical assistance and new opportunities to enter regional supply chains. Employers will gain access to a stronger workforce via training programs and apprenticeships.
Our National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) continues to grow, with increased enrollment over the past year and momentum as we enter the new year. Through NFJP, we support long-term economic stability not only for migrant and seasonal farmworkers, but also for their families through comprehensive employment and training services. Participants can receive Job Search Assistance, Work Experience, Vocational Training, and On-the-Job Training, along with supportive services that remove barriers to success like transportation and rental assistance. Our services are available countywide, and we look forward to expanding our impact and serving even more clients in the year ahead. To learn more, visit your local WorkNet Center or call us at (209) 468-3660.
San Joaquin County WorkNet Updates
Lodi WorkNet Has Moved!
We’re excited to announce that our Lodi location is now in a new office! Our commitment to supporting the community and surrounding areas with valuable services and resources remains stronger than ever. Visit us today at the Community Partnership for Families office at 100 E. Pine Street!
Grow Your Business with the San Joaquin County EDA!
We now have step-by-step guidance to creating a professional business plan with a new easy to use business plan software! We offer a quiet workspace where our staff can support you every step of the way!
If you are looking for business plan assistance either email us at eda@sjcworknet.org or call us at 209-468-3615 and book a reservation!
Kick off 2026 by launching your career in healthcare!
Our WorkNet Youth Program and HealthForce Partners are excited to open enrollment for the second cohort of the Healthcare Professions Pathways Program! This FREE eight-week workshop series is designed with input from top local healthcare employers to prepare you for real-world opportunities.
This WIOA Title I-financially assisted program or activity is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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