Workforce Development Program at Community Cycles of California Awarded $20,000 Grant from Cupertino Rotary

San Jose, California. – Community Cycles of California has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Cupertino Rotary to expand their classroom and their Small Business Operations Training Program, which teaches bike mechanics and retail management skills to qualify trainees for living-wage jobs. The program was first piloted by Community Cycles of California in 2020 with support from a Santa Clara County workforce development department and Veteran Association groups.

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The Cupertino Rotary grant, which is raised from their upcoming annual charity golf tournament on May 4th, 2024, represents a significant step in Community Cycles of California’s goal to create a permanent classroom to teach people how to run a small business with a social conscience.

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“We don’t want to check a box that says ‘we got students through the program,’” said Collin Bruce, co-founder of Community Cycles of California. “We want to coach people and help them gain transferable business skills and training that’ll help them get from a minimum wage to a living wage and change the entire course of their lives for the better.” 

 

“Community Cycles of California represents an innovative social enterprise that teaches people how to become bike mechanics and how to run small businesses,” said Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose).  "This grant is a testament to the organization’s vital work that is all about empowerment, education, and independence. I wholeheartedly support this endeavor and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our residents as we collectively build a more inclusive and equitable community.”

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“Community Cycles of California is such a valuable resource,” said Cindy Chavez, Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 2. “They already provide bicycles, bicycle repair, and cycling education in our community. Now, thanks to this grant from Rotary, they will be able to grow their small business incubator for historically disadvantaged and marginalized residents in Santa Clara County.”

 

“We’re proud to award Community Cycles of California with this grant,” said Alysa Sakkas, President, Rotary Club of Cupertino. “Their mission to help youth and community with vocational training aligns wonderfully with Cupertino Rotary’s traditions and values. We’re excited for the organization’s next steps and the lives they will touch.” 

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The golf tournament will take place May 4th, 2024 at the Deep Cliff Golf Course in Cupertino. For tickets visit https://bit.ly/491Ayk0

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About Community Cycles of California

Community Cycles of California is a 501c3 nonprofit employment social enterprise committed to providing opportunity and economic independence with job training, services, and free bicycles to those in need. CCoCA’s paid Small Business Operations Training Program, which teaches bike mechanics and retail management skills to qualify trainees for living-wage jobs, was piloted in 2020 with support from a Santa Clara County workforce development department and Veteran Association groups. Since its establishment in 2017, CCoCA has provided 3,613 free bicycle repairs, logged 2,982 Earn-A-Bike volunteer hours in the community, and granted 1,730 bicycles. CCoCA is based in San Jose and collaborates with numerous Bay Area nonprofits to provide mobile repair clinics, access to repair tools at affordable housing sites, and provide bikes and safety packages to help children in low-income households and adults who rely on bicycles as their primary means of transport. For more information, visit communitycyclesca.org.