$986,629 Awarded to Orange County Projects Advancing Job Creation, Workforce Development and Community Resilience
IRVINE, CA (November 7, 2025) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) is announcing the recipients of $986,629 in funding through the California Jobs First (CJF) initiative. These awards support projects in Healthcare, Medical Technology, Childcare, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation and Semiconductor, helping advance workforce development, sector activation and equitable economic opportunities across Orange County.
Since 2023, OCBC has served as the Regional Convener for CJF in Orange County, bringing together a collaborative of regional stakeholders including businesses, labor representatives, California Native American Tribes, government agencies, academic institutions and community organizations..
“These grants demonstrate the power of collaboration and innovation in Orange County. By investing in programs that expand opportunities, strengthen industries and prepare the workforce of tomorrow, we are helping build a more resilient and inclusive economy for everyone in our region.”
This round of funding supports initiatives such as workforce training programs in healthcare and semiconductor technology, mentorship and apprenticeship pathways for students, expanding access to childcare, business resilience support for small enterprises, among others.
Orange County is one of only 13 regions statewide participating in CJF, which is designed to support sustainable economic growth, workforce readiness and access to good-paying jobs across California.
For summaries of the proposals and more information, visit OCBC.org/initiatives/cjf/.
About Orange County Business Council
For 30 years, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) has been representing and promoting the region’s business community together with government and academia to enhance Orange County’s economic development. The Council’s core initiatives include developing pro-business solutions that lead to economic growth, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing, and advocating for adequate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure for the nation’s sixth most populous county. Member investors include businesses and local organizations representing a diverse cross section of industries including biomedical, construction, education, financial services, health care, manufacturing, municipalities, nonprofit, real estate, technology, tourism, transportation and utilities. For more information, visit OCBC.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Ghebrial
Vice President of Public Affairs, OCBC
[email protected]
