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Recent impact of DRIVE's
Prosperity Initiatives
In an economy that works for everyone, prosperity is possible no matter where you come from. That means building a system where the jobs we create are not just plentiful, but high-quality and dignified - jobs that support health, stability, and the chance to build generational wealth. From construction, manufacturing, and caregiving to technology and small business, every sector should open real pathways to opportunity for everyone.
Explore the recent impact of DRIVE's Prosperity initiatives below.
Prosperity Initiatives
F3
Agriculture is a big part of Fresno’s economy. But the agriculture industry is not creating high-wage opportunities and too often farmworkers, small growers, farmers of color are left out of decisions that shape their livelihoods. The F3 Initiative is changing that by putting people and community at the heart of how we grow and produce food in the Central Valley.
Secured $65.1 million
Secured $65.1m from U.S. EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant.
50+ Partnerships
Number of research – industry partnerships to date.
500+ Students
Number of students enrolled in ag tech upskilling course across six community colleges.
Betting Big on
Small Business
Small businesses are the heart of Fresno's economy. But not everyone has an equal shot. Women and minority entrepreneurs face real barriers when it comes to starting a business, growing it, and building lasting wealth. Betting Big on Small Business is committed to changing that by investing in the people who’ve been left out for too long—by offering hands-on support, funding, and other tools they need to succeed.
103 Small Businesses
Completed the Betting Big Accelerator program.
24 Contractors
Completed the Bonding, Technical Assistance, and Contracting program; secured 52 working contracts.
3 Additional Counties
Expanded Betting Big program to three additional Central Valley Counties.
Fresno's Impact Economy
Fresno’s Impact Economy is helping employers of all sizes lead with equity, showing how shifts in internal policies, like increasing wages or improving job quality, can transform lives and strengthen Fresno’s economy. Through tools like the Economy Employer Scorecard, the initiative is promoting policies that improve the lives of workers and the economy overall.
35 Community Members
Established the Resident Leaders for Equitable Economic Development Program (RLEED) with 35 community members.
Business Scorecard
Developed the first iteration of a Business Scorecard.
First Local Business
First local business that used the Scorecard found that increasing wages increased employee retention and their bottom line.
Next Gen Aviation
One of Fresno’s economic opportunities is right here at home: our regional airports.It’s an asset for residents looking for great jobs, especially in aviation, where becoming a commercial pilot is a high-paying career with growing demand. Yet only 3% of pilots are people of color, and even fewer are women. Next Gen Aviation is changing that by training the next generation of diverse pilots.
$55 Million Secured
Purchased a new electric glider to train students on sustainable aviation technology.
First certified flight instructor
Trained and graduated the country’s youngest certified flight instructor at 18 years old.
55 Students
Currently training 55 students training for pilot certification.
Wealth Creation
Wealth Creation creates pathways for Fresno families to build wealth and move from financial hardship to long-term prosperity. Through resident training and policy advocacy for car ownership, credit and banking, homeownership, community investment trusts, and universal basic income, Wealth Creation helps set up Fresnans for lasting financial health.
$4.5m Community-Owned Asset
Transformed a formerly undervalued commercial site into a debt-free, community-owned asset that now houses 25+ small businesses and nonprofits.
Launched BankOn
BankOn is an initiative to connect unbanked and underbanked individuals with certified bank accounts from financial institutions.
150 Families
Enrolled in guaranteed income pilot program from neighborhoods of Southwest Fresno and Huron