In 2023, ArroyoWest received a grant from the James Irvine Foundation to conduct a research study that examines the potential of supporting small business workforce development as a means of promoting worker economic mobility, particularly for BIPOC Californians.

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, Chaffey College, and the Latino Restaurant Association, ArroyoWest extensively studied the small business landscape in Los Angeles County to gauge its capacity in generating quality jobs and wealth for low-wage BIPOC workers. Additionally, ArroyoWest examined the entrepreneur and low-wage worker community in the advanced manufacturing/logistics sector of San Bernardino County and assessed the Latino restaurant community.