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Thrive Inland SoCal: Pioneering Inclusive Economic Growth in the Inland Empire

Kim Anthony • October 3, 2024

Thrive Inland SoCal is an ambitious initiative born from a collaboration between the Inland Empire Labor Institute and Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity, two regional co-conveners dedicated to the region's inclusive and equitable development. The Inland Empire Community Foundation serves as the fiscal agent for this effort, managing the necessary responsibilities outlined by the State of California. Thrive Inland SoCal is driven by a mission to build a region where every resident has a voice in shaping the economic future while addressing the inequities that have historically plagued the area.

Vision


Thrive Inland SoCal envisions an Inland Empire where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive. This vision centers on fostering an inclusive economy that leaves no one behind.

The Catalyst: California Jobs First


Thrive Inland SoCal’s foundation was built on the momentum of the California Jobs First initiative, previously known as the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF). Created by the California Legislature, this program was designed to promote a sustainable and equitable recovery from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. It supports new strategies to diversify local economies and develop sustainable industries that create high-quality, accessible jobs for all Californians.

With approximately $600 million in competitive grants to be distributed among the state’s 13 regions from 2022 to 2026, California Jobs First represents a significant investment in regional economic development. Its potential to transform communities that have historically been under-resourced is immense, and Thrive Inland SoCal is at the forefront of leading this charge in the Inland Empire.

A Future-Centered on People


As the Inland Empire transitions toward a more technological, sustainable, and carbon-neutral future, Thrive Inland SoCal emphasizes the importance of centering its most valuable asset: its people. Originally launched as the Inland Empire High Road Transition Collaborative (IE-HRTC) with planning funds from California Jobs First, Thrive Inland SoCal is building partnerships and capacity to create an inclusive and prosperous future for the region.

Thrive Inland SoCal is organized into five committees, six sub-regional tables, and an Equity Council, all designed to ensure that every resident has an opportunity to engage. Participation is open to anyone in the region, and residents are encouraged to join one or more of these groups to help shape the region's future.

The Equity Council


A cornerstone of Thrive Inland SoCal’s efforts is the Equity Council, which focuses on critical topics such as youth development, Native American tribal engagement, workers’ rights, women's issues, racial and social justice, environmental justice, and justice reform. The Equity Council meets every other Friday from 12 PM to 1 PM, with hybrid options to accommodate both in-person and virtual attendance. These meetings foster dialogue and action around the region's most pressing equity challenges.

Meet the Thrive Inland SoCal Team


Key leaders of Thrive Inland SoCal include:

  • Esmeralda Vazquez, Director of Special Projects
  • Chris Castorena, Partnership Development Manager
  • Matthew Mena, Co-Executive Director

Thrive Inland SoCal Events


To build meaningful partnerships and foster collaboration, Thrive Inland SoCal hosts a variety of events. A central aspect of these gatherings is the opportunity for regional organizations to connect and collaborate on future project proposals. Here are some upcoming events:

  • Catalyst Funding Round 2 Networking Mixer (In-Person)

    Date: Wednesday, September 25th, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    Location: Inland Empire Labor Institute, 937 South Via Lata, Suite 500, Colton, CA 92324
    Details: Attendees will have the chance to network, find potential project partners, and deliver a 1-2 minute elevator pitch about their organization or project.
    [Register Here]

  • Catalyst Funding Round 2 Networking Mixer (Virtual)

    Date: Wednesday, October 2nd, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Details: A virtual opportunity to connect with other organizations and explore future partnerships.
    [Register Here]

  • Technical Assistance Workshops

    Thrive Inland SoCal is offering two technical assistance workshops designed to help organizations navigate the Catalyst Funding application process:
  • Workshop 1: Monday, September 23, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Virtual)
  • Workshop 2: Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Virtual)
    [Register Here]

Both workshops will cover key strategies, project components, and a detailed breakdown of the application process.

The Path Forward


Thrive Inland SoCal is on a mission to transform the Inland Empire into a region where economic opportunity is within reach for everyone. With a dedicated team and a robust network of community partners, Thrive Inland SoCal is building the future of the region—one that is equitable, inclusive, and full of opportunity. Through events, networking, and strategic partnerships, the initiative is making strides toward a brighter future for the Inland Empire, with its people at the heart of every effort.

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