The California Jobs First team has announced the Regional Investment Initiative Implementation (RII) Round 1 awards totaling $80M that include projects in the Aerospace and Defense, AgTech, Bioeconomy and Life Sciences sectors. Congratulations to all awardees! The Redwood Region is participating in an interregional Agtech & Farm Equipment initiative that received $28,632,344 across four projects. This funding will strengthen the agtech and farm equipment sector through workforce development, ecosystem support, and infrastructure improvements spanning the North State, Redwood Region, North San Joaquin Valley, Central San Joaquin Valley, and Southern Border Regions.
State Implementation Funding Round 2 Now Open!
With Round 1 awardees announced, the State has launched Implementation Funding Round 2. Go to https://business.ca.gov/about/publications/ and click “California Jobs First” to find the Implementation RFP, Errata, FAQ 1 & FAQ 2, and other key materials. Round 1 non-awardees remain eligible to apply.
Key Deadlines:
- Notice of Intent: November 5, 2025
- Pre-Application: December 3, 2025
- Full Application: January 16, 2026
Office Hours for Applicants
The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is hosting office hours this month—we strongly encourage attendance this Thursday, September 25, 2025 @ 1:00pm. Register here
About RII Implementation Funding
The Regional Investment Initiative (RII) Implementation funding seeks to support ready-to-implement projects in California's "Accelerate" and "Bet" economic sectors. With $80 million already awarded in Round 1, up to $45 million remains available in Round 2 for project clusters that create good-paying jobs and benefit disinvested communities. Projects must be completion-ready within 24 months, with minimum awards of $500,000 per individual project and no matching funds required.
Considering applying for the State's Implementation RFP?
We'd love to connect you with partnership opportunities and support your application process. Reach out to RRRISE's Investment Coordinator, Leigh, at lao3@humboldt.edu to explore collaboration possibilities. All applicants will need a Letter of Alignment from our Regional Convener, the California Center for Rural Policy (CCRP) confirming your project aligns with our 10-year Regional Roadmap, so connecting with us early helps ensure a smooth application process.
GO-Biz Webpage with all Materials Download Implementation RFP Download the RFP Errata