Submitted By EDD
Labor Day is more than a long weekend. The holiday honors the contributions of workers and the legacy of the American labor movement, while also offering a moment to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s workforce — particularly in California’s diverse communities.
As the world’s 4th largest economy, California is home to 4.2 million small businesses, and nearly 290,000 of those are Black or African American-owned businesses. These minority-owned small businesses play a vital role in local economies and community growth.
Small businesses in the Golden State employ 7 million people. However, in recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey, the California unemployment rate for Black and African Americans is 10.7% (June 2025) – significantly higher than the statewide rate (5.4%) at the same time. The disparity is often associated with barriers such as limited access to resources, support, or opportunity.
That’s where the EDD can help. As a leader in the state’s workforce development system, they provide free resources to help job seekers find meaningful employment, support businesses in hiring qualified employees, and deliver vital benefits to workers when they need them most.
This Labor Day, the EDD is reminding Californians that whether you’re looking for work, building your career, or running a business, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Here are five key ways they can support you every step of the way.
Looking for a job? Your next opportunity might be one step away.
Create a profile and upload your résumé to CalJOBS – California’s largest job search engine. It’s fast, free, and helps connect you to thousands of employers. Employers can post job openings, browse résumés, and find great candidates.
Ready to level up your skills or connect with employers?
Explore job fairs, résumé workshops, and career coaching at one of 181 America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) locations. An their online toolkit offers employers resources for hiring , training and retaining employees. Services are free and open to all.
Need help applying for unemployment benefits? EDD makes it easy.
Apply for unemployment and manage your benefits anytime online through your myEDD account.
No need to visit an office – it’s all at your fingertips. Are you a small business owner? Manage payroll taxes the smart way. With e-Services for Business, you can file, pay, and stay on top of payroll taxes online.
Questions about your unemployment claim? Real help is just a phone call away. Call 1-800-300-5616, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays). EDD representatives are here to help.
EDD is committed to ensuring Black and African American Californians have meaningful access to the support, resources, and tools that unlock opportunity and lasting success. This Labor Day and every day, EDD is here is here to help you succeed. For more information, visit edd.ca.gov/StrongerCA.
