In this article, we look at grants for convicted felons to start a business. Accessing business funding for convicted felons can be difficult, but it’s not impossible.
Some programs and organizations concentrate primarily on offering assistance and resources to people with criminal histories who want to launch or grow enterprises.
Grants for Convicted Felons to Start a Business
Without further ado, below are some grants for convicted felons to start a business.
Links have been provided for you to find out more information about each grant.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Since its founding in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has supported entrepreneurs and small company owners in their pursuit of the American dream.
As the single go-to resource and advocate for startups in the country, the SBA is the only cabinet-level government agency wholly devoted to small businesses. It offers advice, funding, and contractual expertise.
Website: https://www.sba.gov/
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Accion Opportunity Fund
Accion U.S. Network and Opportunity Fund merged to establish Accion Opportunity Fund. Together, they work for a diverse and open financial system that will support the success of small-business owners from all backgrounds.
Accion Opportunity Fund works closely with small business owners to give them access to affordable financing, educational materials, coaching, and support networks in both English and Spanish.
The loan division of Accion Opportunity Fund is called Accion Opportunity Fund Community Development.
Website: https://aofund.org/
Local Reentry Programs (varies by location)
Successful reintegration initiatives offer ex-offenders the chance to sustain themselves through lawful and useful employment, lowering recidivism and enhancing public safety.
Over 2.1 million people are currently housed in American prisons and jails, and almost all of them will be released back into society once they have been declared innocent or have served their whole sentence for their illegal behavior.
The Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)
PEP is committed to providing the best prisoner re-entry outcomes in the country. Inmates are given access to unmatched resources and practical, values-based business skills so that when they are released back into society, they will have the means to live happy, fruitful lives.
PEP customers participate in a tried-and-true program that includes one-on-one coaching from senior volunteers, business plan mentoring from seasoned experts, and a fiercely competitive business plan competition.
Website: https://www.pep.org/
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Justine Petersen
According to Justine PETERSEN, having good credit is a crucial tool for business owners who want to achieve financial wellness. As part of the loan application process, Justine PETERSEN offers all business owners thorough credit score counseling, access to credit-building loan products, and secured credit cards.
With the aim of advancing companies or individuals back into mainstream finance, Justine PETERSEN provides safe and inexpensive cash to both established and newly established firms. A loan from Justine PETERSEN ranges from $500 to $150,000.
Website: https://justinepetersen.org/what-we-do/small-business/
Mercy Corps Northwest
Mercy Corps Northwest collaborates with individuals in Washington and Oregon who are prepared to build more secure, prosperous, and fulfilling lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Their initiatives assist up to 2,100 small business owners annually, launch promising post-prison careers, position AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers at 30 neighborhood NGOs, and provide disaster preparedness training to underserved communities.
They have offices in Walla Walla, Portland, and Seattle, where they greet more than 2,400 clients each year.
Website: https://nw.mercycorps.org/
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The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Through the NASE Growth Grants program, your small business might receive up to $4,000 in funding.
Since 2006, the NASE has given out approximately $1,000,000 in small company grants through the Growth Grants program to members just like you.
Grants can be utilized for facilities expansion, staff employment, marketing, advertising, and other specialized business requirements.
Growth Grants are given at the NASE’s sole discretion. Unfortunately, not every applicant will be approved for a grant.
The NASE has the exclusive authority to make no grant or to present an amount that is more or lower than what was asked for.
The NASE in its sole discretion may award less than the totals indicated to be potentially available.
Website: https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC)
The NJRC is built on the goal of fostering pro-social norms, assisting in the development of attachments to healthy rehabilitative cultures, fostering ties among peers who uphold these norms and values, and facilitating family reunions.Â
Participants receive tailored evaluations and treatment programs that prioritize meeting their most basic requirements, which include housing, care, medical attention, mental health therapy, and access to public benefits such as health insurance.
Website: https://www.njreentry.org/
Ventures Nonprofit
A nonprofit organization called Ventures in Seattle provides resources and support to prospective business owners with limitless potential.
They give entrepreneurs access to opportunities for hands-on learning, coaching, finance, and business training.Â
They assist members of our community who cannot afford typical business development services, with a particular emphasis on serving women, people of color, immigrants, and low-income persons.
Their ultimate objective is to help people become small business owners in order to boost their earning potential, attain long-term financial stability, support their families, and improve their communities.
Website: https://www.venturesnonprofit.org/
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Fresh Start Ventures (Massachusetts)
Through REAL Transition, Fresh Start aims to help people build successful lives on all fronts—emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically, and financially.
Each year, Fresh Start offers men and women who have served time in prison hope, training, and support so they can turn their lives around and start contributing to our community and their families.
Website: https://www.freshstartventures.org/
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The Second Chance Business Coalition (SCBC)
The Second Chance Business Coalition (SCBC) is a cross-sector alliance of sizable private-sector companies dedicated to enhancing second-chance hiring and advancement practices within their organizations.
These businesses are dedicated to giving people with criminal records more employment options and possibilities for career advancement.
Website: https://secondchancebusinesscoalition.org/about
LISC Small Business Relief Grants
Small firms must have access to flexible, unrestricted finance in order to expand, develop, and prosper. Entrepreneurs have traditionally obtained that money from social and professional networks.
However, those networks are rarely as extensive or well-capitalized in communities of color or for people on low incomes, and long-standing racial and gender prejudice has prevented them from establishing solid banking relationships.
The LISC and its funding partners have offered a range of outright grants to help entrepreneurs move to the next stage and plan for the ones after that, in addition to a variety of flexible, affordable financing products, technical assistance, and programs to match the needs of small businesses of all shapes and stages of development.
Website: https://www.lisc.org/our-initiatives/small-business/our-work/grants-small-businesses/
FAQs
Can a felon own a business in Texas?
Before discussing grants and loans for small businesses for convicts, let’s first establish whether a felon is eligible to open a business.
The good news is that there are no restrictions prohibiting former inmates from running businesses.
That implies your only restriction when it comes to operating a business is your own imagination.
Can a felon own a business in Alabama?
The good news is that you can still own your own company or entity if you have a criminal record, but the bad news is that there may be limitations on the type of business you can legally run.
For instance, you would not be able to get a gaming license if you were considering operating a casino.
How long does a felony stay on your record in Texas?
Criminal charges, including felonies and misdemeanors, are permanently recorded on your record under Texas law.
It doesn’t matter if you were acquitted, the charges were dropped, or you successfully completed deferred adjudication.
Is it hard for felons to get a job in Texas?
Finding and maintaining employment is one of the most important aspects of rehabilitation after serving a criminal sentence in Texas.
Your options for work and the employers who may consider hiring you may be restricted. But even if you have a crime on your record, you can still get work.
What felons Cannot do in Texas?
Convicted felons are prohibited from holding public office in Texas. In addition to public office, other occupations, like law enforcement, education, and career sectors needing professional licensing, may have employment restrictions.
Can a felon start a business in California?
Starting a corporation is simple, thus there is no reason why a person with a criminal history cannot register a new company with their state.
Of course, the simplest step in beginning a business is to register it, but anyone can form a new business entity by visiting the website of their state’s secretary of state.
What professional license can a convicted felon get in Texas?
Other professions, like cosmetology, pharmacy, and even real estate, call for professional licensure that felons are not eligible for.
Truck driving is one well-paying occupation for which a felon can obtain a professional license. To obtain your CDL, you must enroll in a truck driving school.
