Second Chance Resources

Felony-Friendly Business Support

Your past doesn't define your future. We're committed to helping justice-involved individuals build legitimate, successful businesses.

Who We Serve

Justice-Involved Entrepreneurs

Formerly incarcerated individuals seeking business ownership as a path to independence

Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, Louisville, Lexington, Indianapolis
Reentry Program Participants

Individuals enrolled in Urban League, halfway houses, parole programs, or workforce development

Urban areas across OH, KY, IN
Low-Income Entrepreneurs

People with limited access to traditional funding, especially in underserved ZIP codes

Urban and rural areas
Veterans with Convictions

Veterans eligible for SBA's Boots to Business program

All VA facilities
Your Path to Success

Four steps to legitimate business ownership

1

Business Formation

Use Biz50StartUp's guided formation tools to establish your legal entity

2

Business Planning

Create a professional business plan with AI assistance

3

Build Business Credit

Establish credit history separate from personal background

4

Find Funding

Access grants and loans designed for second-chance entrepreneurs

Partner Organizations & Resources

Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
Cincinnati/Dayton, OH
reentry

Programs:

  • Urban Reentry Jobs Program
  • Adult Reentry Signature Program
Contact through local chapter
Visit Website
Louisville Urban League
Louisville, KY
reentry

Programs:

  • Workforce Development
  • Entrepreneurship Training
502-566-6655
Visit Website
Urban League of Northwest Indiana
Gary, IN
reentry

Programs:

  • Second Chance Programs
  • Business Development
Contact through local chapter
Visit Website
Ohio Reentry Coalition
Statewide, OH
coalition

Programs:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Partnership Development
  • MOU Templates
State coalition network
Defy Ventures
National
entrepreneurship

Programs:

  • Entrepreneurship Training
  • Leadership Development
  • CEO Mentorship
National program
Visit Website
Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)
National
entrepreneurship

Programs:

  • Business Plan Competition
  • MBA-style Training
  • Post-Release Support
National program
Visit Website

Funding Opportunities

Second Chance Business Grants

Federal and state grants specifically for formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs

Amount:$5,000 - $50,000

Eligibility:

Justice-involved individuals with business plans

SBA Microloan Program

Small loans for underserved entrepreneurs, including those with records

Amount:Up to $50,000

Eligibility:

Business owners who can't qualify for traditional loans

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

Mission-driven lenders focused on underserved communities

Amount:$1,000 - $250,000

Eligibility:

Flexible requirements for justice-involved entrepreneurs

Boots to Business for Veterans

SBA program for veterans, including those with convictions

Amount:Training + funding connections

Eligibility:

Veterans and transitioning service members

Ready to Start Your Business Journey?

Join our community of entrepreneurs who turned their lives around through business ownership.