It never ceases to amaze me both the number and variety of people who want to start their own business. I hear from everyone from would-be entrepreneurs in China, to desperate moms in the U.S., as well as college kids and, yes, prisoners.
But this was the first time I have heard about a program to actually help incarcerated people become self-sufficient small business owners upon their release. It’s important because it is not an insignificant problem.
Consider there are 2.3 million Americans are in prison. Five states spend more on corrections than they do on higher education. A lack of employment skills is a main reason for high recidivism rates in prison. Many employers do not want to hire convicted felons.
Combined, all of this means that those in prison have a hard time getting gainful employment once they get out, and a program to help them start their own business seems like a smart plan.
The Mercy Corps program is intended to foster an entrepreneurial mindset by teaching financial literacy, and small business and interpersonal skills to minimum security female prisoners. It is a rigorous 26 week-long program that covers everything from goal planning and writing a business plan to profit and loss statements and funding.
Michelle Boothby had previously owned a business. But times got tough in the hotdog cart business and she was sent away on an identity theft charge. She so appreciated the opportunity given to her, noting that “a lot of people don’t like to take a chance on inmates.”
Tammy Rodgers had owned a trucking company before getting sent away on an assault charge. Though she obviously already understood business too, Tammy said the L.I.F.E. program was still a great help and would make her an even better entrepreneur when she is released.
Tanya Wheeler. Although not a drinker, Tanya was going through a rough patch in her life when she got behind the wheel of her car, drunk. The ensuing accident killed … her beautiful 8-year-old daughter.
“This class gave me hope,” Tanya told me, adding that it helped her see that “a dream was possible.”
Tanya may start her own freelancing hair care business when she is released about a year and a half from now, after which she will have served more than eight years in prison. She noted though that she also is on a mission to help people, much the way Mercy Corps L.I.F.E. program helped her.
Photo by media.keprtv.
From Inmate To Entrepreneur
July 25, 2008 by Rich | 3 Comments
In Crime, Entrepreneurs, Teaching
Angela on July 25th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Although I could imagine the views on this topic could vary quite a bit, I am thrilled to hear this.
When someone goes to prison to serve time for their crime, they seem to be even more doomed once they get out. No one wants to hire them into jobs, and no one seems to care at all. Everyone makes a mistake, some more dire than others. I’m glad to see that someone is caring enough to help them find a boost into a better life.
Gavin on July 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Hi
You are right what you say in your article about prisoners finding it hard to get work after being in prison and mercy corps program will be a excellent way for them to get back into employment.
cassy on July 26th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Some people were avoiding them if they know that their an ex-con, they like as if they have a very contagious disease.
This kind of program is a big help especially to those who really want to change. This is a new hope, a new beginning of their life.
I hope male prisoners have also this program.