A criminal record can be a serious hindrance to achieving success in life. Those who have been previously convicted of a crime are mostly unemployed. Starting a business is one of the right solutions so that they can earn an income like everyone else.
To support these needs, various grant programs can provide business assistance for ex-felons.
About Ex-Felons Business Grant
Running a business is one of the best ways for ex-felons to earn an income. However, there may be certain challenges that ex-felons will face in becoming entrepreneurs. Grant programs that focus on small businesses can be one of the best supports.
As this is about grants, it does not have the nature of a loan, so there is no need to make repayments to the funding provider. Grants are a wise choice for those who want to become entrepreneurs but have previously been involved in crime.
Business grants can be a solution to avoid having to go into debt or other difficulties in preparing business capital. To get this grant, the competition is quite fierce. Therefore, you need to dedicate your effort and time to get this grant. So that you can get access to business capital for free.
Exploring Ex-Felons Business Grants From Companies and Non-Profits
Business grants can be provided by the government, but this time we will discuss some companies or non-profit organizations that provide such grants.
There are quite a few organizations that provide access to second chance programs for ex-felons to become entrepreneurs. So what are some examples of companies or non-profits that provide ex-felons business grants? Here are some of them:
1. Amber Grant
This grant does not focus entirely on ex-felons, but the Amber Grant can be one of the best funding options for women entrepreneurs. WomensNet is a non-profit organization that offers business grant opportunities for businesses with details that women own at least 50 percent of the shares.
There are various types of grants provided by WomensNet ranging from startup grants, business category, and non-profit grants. The organization can provide grants of up to $10,000 every month to certain businesses. To apply for whatever grant option you need, you can send an application through the official Amber Grant website.
See also : Funding Solutions for Ex-Felons: Small Business Options
2. Georgetown Pivot
Georgetown is a one-year program that can help ex-felons improve their skills specifically in professional or business fields. Throughout the program, each participant attends classes and then gets a specific placement for an internship.
They can get the best opportunity to explore and develop the business ideas that they may have been wanting to deliver. Participants need to present their bright business ideas in the competition to have a chance to win startup business funding.
To be eligible for the program, participants need to be at least 25 years old and have a GED or high school diploma.
3. The Transform Grant
This business grant is wide open to those who are in business but downtrodden such as ex-felons. Not only can you get a $1,000 microgant, but there is also a well-tailored business strategy and development program based on one year’s needs.
4. LEAP Academy
This is a non-profit organization that focuses on women who have previously been incarcerated. The program helps them to successfully return to normal society. LEAP’s Virtual Entrepreneurial Program runs twice a year.
The main benefit of this program is that it teaches a variety of important business skills to each participant. For 3 months, there are two classes per week. Then towards the end of the program, participants need to present their business for a chance to earn money. In addition, each graduate is also eligible for a business microloan of up to $1,000.
Eligibility for this LEAP program is female, previously incarcerated, and must have access to a computer. The LEAP company will cover all costs for this grant program through sponsorship funding sources.
These are some of the grant programs that you can consider if you are an ex-felon or have previously been involved in crime. Apart from being provided by companies or non-profits, grants for ex-felons are also provided by the government, both city and state governments.
Conclusion
One of the most popular grant programs for ex-felons is the business grant. For those of you who are interested in managing a business after being fully released from prison, you can consider this grant. But grant programs for those who have been involved in criminal cases are not only available for business.
There are various other forms of assistance for ex-felons, such as educational assistance, housing assistance, employment assistance, and so on. Each grant has different requirements, some require proof of financial incapacity, drug-free, educational requirements, and so on.
Overall, assistance for ex-felons whether it is from companies, government, or non-profits, can support a successful life again for ex-felons. Those who have just completed a prison term need help because they have missed out on many things and are therefore weaker in life than other people.