RISE by CHAI ACS

RISE is CHAI ACS’s flagship incubator program, designed to equip business owners and nonprofit leaders with the knowledge, tools, and funding strategies to scale operations successfully and secure government and grant opportunities.

Through expert guidance, structured mentorship, and hands-on support, participants will gain the skills needed to build sustainable enterprises, navigate the complexities of public funding, and expand their community impact.

This program is tailored for:

• Small businesses ready to expand and grow sustainably through government contracts through RFP's or RFQs
• Nonprofits seeking grant funding and government contracts for programming
• Entrepreneurs looking for strategic guidance on scaling operations

RISE runs once a year with spring cohorts. Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort open in October 2025 and close in November 2025, with partnership approvals announced by late January 2026.

Why Join?

• Unlock government and grant funding by learning to access local, state, and federal opportunities.
• Strategize for sustainable growth with expert financial management, compliance, and expansion coaching.
• Improve operational efficiency and innovation through optimized business processes, nonprofit frameworks, and digital tools.
• Build a robust network of like-minded entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and funders.

What You’ll Gain

• Financial growth, with access to new funding opportunities.
• Improved compliance and clarity, making businesses and nonprofits more eligible for grants, contracts, and funding sources.
• Collaboration and networking opportunities with funders, government agencies, and strategic partners.
• Join CHAI's Membership portal with access to templates, discussion groups, directory, productivity sessions, and training opportunities.

Program Format
The RISE Cohort runs for 11 weeks, offering:

• Expert workshops covering funding, compliance, marketing, and strategic scaling.
• One-on-one coaching for business growth and grant applications.
• Live grant and RFP application support with hands-on guidance.
• Networking and partnership events connecting participants with government agencies, foundations, and investors.

For Small Businesses:

• Must be located in San Diego County or a CHAI ACS service area.
• Must have at least one year in operation with an established revenue model (not in debt or relying solely on grants for survival).
• Must commit to 90% attendance (only two absences permitted).

Applicants must also meet at least one of the following:

• Experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19.
• Located in a designated impact zone (Opportunity Zones, CDFI Investment Areas).
• Be a socially and economically disadvantaged (SEDI)-owned business (woman, minority, veteran, LGBTQ+, or refugee-owned business).

For Nonprofits:

• Must be a registered nonprofit at both the federal (501(c)(3)) and state levels and in good standing.
• Must have no history of fraud or financial misconduct.
• Must provide recent financial statements that show sustainability (no deficits or reliance on funding to pay off debt).
• An active Board of Directors must have documented meeting minutes.
• Active or planned programs/projects must align with the organization’s mission.
• Must have an existing revenue stream through fundraising, earned revenue, or diversified funding sources (not entirely dependent on grant funding for survival).

Priority will be given to nonprofits focused on community development, refugee support, and economic empowerment.

Applications Open: October 2025
Deadline to Apply: November 2025
Partnership Approval Announcements: Late January 2026
Program Start: Spring 2026

Apply Here: Limited spots are available, and the selection is competitive.

This program is proudly supported by CHAI ACS, local government agencies, and funding partners committed to fostering economic development and nonprofit growth.

For questions, contact support@chai-acs.org.

Join RISE and scale your business or nonprofit with CHAI ACS.