RISE Business Academy
The 2024 calendar year marked a milestone of growth and success for the RISE Business Academy (RBA). Our final cohort of the year was our largest yet, with nine graduates, bringing the total for the year to 23. To date, RBA has celebrated 60 graduates, 32 of whom have launched active businesses. This year, we also saw an increase in graduates referring their loved ones to RBA, citing the program’s inclusivity, support, and emphasis on hope while fostering entrepreneurial education for those participating in our reentry programs.[2]
Building Community
This year, we set a goal to strengthen engagement with RBA graduates. A key initiative in achieving this was the creation of the RBA Graduates Monthly Meetup and a dedicated Facebook group.
These platforms allow graduates from all cohorts to come together monthly to discuss challenges, share solutions, and encourage one another on their entrepreneurial journeys. The Facebook group also serves as a space for graduates to share resources, ask questions, and network.
In addition, graduates have become more involved as volunteers. Some now serve on the RBA Advisory Council, while others participate in RISE events like our Reentry Simulations. We have supported graduate‑owned businesses by purchasing their products and services as an organization and as individuals.
“One of the best things I ever did was say ‘yes’ to volunteering as a RISE Business Academy mentor. I've mentored three emerging business & nonprofit leaders since I started in early 2024. I’ve also gotten to watch three groups of RBA businesses present their businesses during the pitch competition at the end of each cohort and seeing what everyone ELSE is doing—it's one of my favorite things.”Corrie Oberdin, RISE Business Academy Volunteer Mentor
Volunteer Contributions
In 2024, 70 volunteers contributed their time and expertise to RBA. These volunteers served as members of the Advisory Council, business mentors, coaches, speakers, and judges. Notably, two corporate attorneys, Erin Artz and Daniel McDowell, have provided invaluable support. In addition to serving as guest speakers for our cohorts, they offered pro bono legal services during weekly office hours for RBA participants and graduates.
We also partnered with Husch Blackwell to provide a free legal program tailored to graduates with active, emerging businesses. Two graduate cohorts have already benefited from this program, which has proven to be a critical resource for those navigating post‑release programs and reentry assistance programs.
Looking Ahead
As we plan for the future, we aim to expand the resources available to RBA participants and graduates. We are seeking a volunteer accountant to educate cohorts on financial management and bookkeeping and, if possible, offer pro bono accounting services.
Our long‑term vision is to establish a comprehensive incubator for graduate‑owned businesses. This initiative would provide a supportive environment with resources and community connections to help businesses grow and thrive—especially those benefiting from housing reentry programs and jobs after prison initiatives. [1][3]
“What I’ve found, not only because of incarceration directly impacting my family, but also through working with individuals through the RISE Business Academy, is that a second chance program is so powerful.”Pamela Adams, RISE Business Academy Volunteer Mentor
