A fiscal agent shall be eligible to be designated by the office if the office determines that the fiscal agent meets all of the following criteria:

(a) The fiscal agent is able to connect state and local agencies, including, but not limited to, agencies in the workforce, social and health services, homelessness, and justice systems to better serve high-barrier populations and ensure greater system collaboration.

(b) The fiscal agent provides information describing the transparent, competitive process by which it will select employment social enterprises to receive the one-time grants. The process shall require employment social enterprises to have a demonstrated track record of achieving specific outcomes related to economic inclusion, stability, and mobility that meets the following criteria:

(1) A clear and strong business model that demonstrates revenue growth and potential for further growth and scale.

(2) A comprehensive and data-driven program model that supports a quality employment social enterprise job that prioritizes long-term outcomes for its employees and demonstrates strong results.

(3) Strong leadership that presents a vision for the employment social enterprise that encompasses realistic growth, expansion, and deepening impact and demonstrates commitment to racial equality in the employment social enterprise.

(4) It is in a stable financial position, and possesses the capacity to work with a small business technical assistance center and to implement recommendations that are offered by a small business technical assistance center.

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 68, Sec. 4. (SB 193) Effective June 30, 2022.)