Many ex-felons leave penitentiary wondering what their lives are going to be like on the outside. They are conscious that finding employment will not be easy. Happily, for those people who have an urge to create their very own employment opportunities there are several government grants for felons for which they may qualify. Some government agencies that provide felon grants make it easy by letting you apply online.
The US Department of Labor in 2012 announced that it was making $20.5 million in grant funds (http://www.loop21.com/politics/obama-administration-20-million-ex-felon-grants) available to aid in providing employment opportunities for ex-prisoners. This really is achieved through the Reintegration of ex-Offenders plan. You need to be sentenced as an adult and at least 18 years old to reap the benefits of the program. The offense you were imprisoned for must be one that broken state and or federal laws, and like many similar programs, sex-offenders cannot profit. The system does not provide direct employment.
The Houston-based Prison Entrepreneurship Program (http://www.prisonentrepreneurship.org/who/) helps to join ex-prisons with sources of funding to begin or develop companies. The non-profit also provides mentoring for former prisoners and training opportunities. Some church-based organizations also help ex-prisoners with little grants for starting a small business in addition to providing mentoring and guidance programs to business.
Some felons may also be able to convince company investors to give them a chance to show that they can begin and run a successful business. It may be somewhat problematic for an ex-felon to locate angel investors, but companies and some individuals will take an opportunity if you sell your thought and yourself. Similar to angel investors, some family members and even friends will assist with loans to help you start a small business to get back into mainstream society. It can be tougher as a former prisoner to get a loan, but the SBA states that it will not discriminate so that it\`s worth a go.
The Second Chance Act (https://www.bja.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?Program_ID=90 ) is meant to help prevent ex-offenders from going back behind bars by offering various services such as occupation guidance and mentoring. Every state has different systems in position, so assess the Bureau of Justice Assistance to find out more on how you are able to profit under this particular system.
The National Re-Entry Resource Center (http://nationalreentryresourcecenter.com/) is another source of advice for felons who desire help and guidance when they\`re released from prison. The Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html) website is also worth exploring for opportunities.
What to Do When Applying for a Grant or Small Business Loan
To boost your chances when applying for any type of grant, you should have specific things in position. While you might not need everything, it seems sensible to keep the following in mind:
Ensure that you comprehend the program process
Have your paperwork prepared, this consists of evidence of address etc., identification papers
government assistance for convicted felons
If you are asking for a business loan, have a clear outline of what it is you plan to do. If possible have a business plan ready
Evidence of tax returns
Searching online will supply links to newsgroups and sites with info that may help ex-prisoners. One site that is popular among ex-prisoners as well as their family members is prison discussion (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/links/0).
Educational Grants
Since it is challenging for some ex-felons to obtain small business loans and grants, they can also consider educational grants. With these grants, they could get training in certain fields that will help them start their very own company.
For many ex-prisoners, the very best alternatives available for self-sustainability are through self-employment. The Federal Pell Grants (http://studentaid.ed.gov/eligibility/criminal-convictions#incarcerated) are among the easiest available grants to get for educational purposes, unless you\`re a drug addict. SCORE (http://www.score.org/onlineworkshops/tab-a) is also another means of obtaining advice to help start and run a successful business through their free webinars.
Their mentorship program is also invaluable as a way of company support and guidance. On top of that, the mentorship program of SCORE additionally comprises face to face interaction.
While it could not be easy, ex-felons may also apply for grants which are not specifically designed for them. It might not be easy to get many of these grants, but it is possible. Many agencies will look beyond your criminal past and give the grant that will help you make a new start in life to you.
For anyone who received any company grants for felons and successfully applied for, it makes sense to speak to a lawyer or accountant for guidance. Talking to other company owners is another great way to get info on the way to achieve success.
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government programs for convicted felons
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