Benicia-based nonprofit joins statewide cohort of 63 organizations creating jobs for Californians facing barriers to work
BENICIA, Calif. (November 11, 2026) — Innovative Health Solutions (IHS) has been awarded a $60,000 grant through the California Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (CA RISE). The funding will support IHS as it develops a new employment social enterprise to create jobs and on-the-job training for Solano County residents facing barriers to employment.
IHS is one of 63 organizations across 17 California counties selected for the 2026–2027 CA RISE cohort, which is investing a total of $13.2 million statewide. CA RISE is funded by the State of California through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), with Redefine Alliance serving as program lead and Lendistry as fiscal agent. Recipients were chosen through a competitive statewide application process.
IHS is participating in the program's incubation track and is currently in the idea incubation phase. Over the coming year, IHS will design and test its business concept with the goal of launching an enterprise that offers paid employment to people who have faced obstacles to work.
"We are honored to be part of the CA RISE cohort," said Dr. Norma Rodriguez de Lisenko, CEO of Innovative Health Solutions. "Steady, meaningful work changes lives. This grant gives us the time and support to build a business that opens doors for our neighbors in Solano County who have been shut out of traditional employment."
"For fifteen years, IHS has brought people and organizations together to strengthen Solano County," said Dr. Corinne Quinn, Board President of Innovative Health Solutions. "This grant lets us extend that work into economic opportunity. The board is proud to support a venture that will put good jobs within reach of residents who need them most."
"The incubation phase is where the best ideas take shape," said Elaine Clark, [title], who is helping lead the project. "We're listening to the community, testing our plans, and building a business designed from day one to give people a real path to employment."
Employment social enterprises are revenue-generating businesses that provide paid jobs, training, and supportive services to people who have experienced barriers such as homelessness, incarceration, poverty, disability, or substance-use challenges. In addition to funding, CA RISE grantees receive technical assistance and join a statewide learning community focused on business strategy, employment programs, leadership, and long-term sustainability. The 2026–2027 cohort kicked off October 13–14 in
Novato.
More information about CA RISE and the full list of grantees is available at redefinealliance.org/carise2627-grantees.
About Innovative Health Solutions
Founded in 2011, Innovative Health Solutions is a Solano County nonprofit committed to leading the way in uniting public and private organizations to drive collective policy, systems, and environmental changes that strengthen our communities. IHS facilitates the Solano Master Plan for Aging and Disability (Solano MPAD) Action Group and operates senior nutrition programs across the county, including Lunch Buddies Bistro. Learn more at innovativehealths.com.
About CA RISE
The California Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise invests in businesses that create jobs, provide onthe-job training, and offer supportive services to people facing barriers to employment. It is funded by the State of California through CalOSBA and implemented by Redefine Alliance and Lendistry.