Currently I am not aware of any grants specifically geared toward ex-offenders wishing to start their own businesses. However, they can apply for the same opportunities as anyone else. I refer my clients to SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. This non-profit organization partners with the US Small Business Administration and is a great FREE resource to would-be entrepreneurs. Our local SCORE office has been very receptive in dealing with my clients, most of whom have felony backgrounds. For more information go to www.score.org.
-- Beth Robinson, CJC Employment Program, Vancouver, WA