You’ve Got What It Takes

By Ericka Foster and Natalie Rodriguez-Steen

In his article for Entrepreneur magazine, ex-offender and entrepreneur

Andrew Medal says that three reasons that the formerly incarcerated make good entrepreneurs are:

• They can handle uncertainty • They are creative thinkers • They are experts in resourcefulness

And while many people have this desire to own their own business, to nurture their own idea, they don’t know. A small business incubator can help individuals learn the tools and techniques to grow their ideas, and therefore gain the confidence to be an entrepreneur. On the next page, we included a list of resources and programs for former inmates to learn about entrepreneurship. When searching for support online, be sure to type in keywords like “microloans” and “small business incubator” to get the most out of your search.

This is not a comprehensive list; this is just a place to get started. When searching for organizations to help ex-offenders become entrepreneurs, also look for organizations specifically focusing on women and/or minorities.

Program Location Requirements/Description

Inmates to Entrepreneurs

Online; North Carolina

Defy Ventures Washington, California, Louisiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, New York tri-state area Provides individuals with the information they need to start their own business, including marketing, customer service, and finance. Offers training programs, entrepreneur boot camp and a business incubator.

Prison Entrepreneurship Program Building Entrepreneurs for Success

Texas Six-month entrepreneurship training programs at the men’s facilities

Tennessee Teaches business and entrepreneurial skills for successful reentry into the community and reduce recidivism

Leap for Ladies Florida

Lifelong Information for Entrepreneurs (LIFE)

Oregon • 2-week entrepreneurial training program for incarcerated Oregonians who are within 18 to 24 months of release and post-prison reentry.

Program for women combining essential employability and life skills, entrepreneurship, self-love, and mentorship.

Resilience Education

Pathways to Enterprise for Returning Citizens (PERC)

Virginia and New York Teaches the skills required to find their dream job, organize their finances, and start their own business.

Illinois PERC provides entrepreneurial training for both incarcerated and previously incarcerated citizens with aspirations of starting or expanding a business. After completing PERC training, eligible participants may apply for small business loans offered by, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Micro Finance Group.

We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters