RISE Business Academy Small Business Showcase
RISE Small Business Showcase
On April 24th, 2025 RISE hosted its very first RISE Business Academy showcase - a community event to highlight some of the fantastic entrepreneurs and businesses fostered through the program.
This showcase, held at the up-and-coming Green Line Coffee, featured an incredible range of businesses - kombucha, baked goods, cookbooks, embroidery, cleaning, and therapeutic services.
It was truly incredible to see the community pop in to support these businesses and the work the RISE Business Academy is doing in the community.
Sandra Daws and her sister - Pieces Thrift and More
BUILDING Entrepreneurs
The RISE Business Academy is a 12-week program designed to empower individuals with lived experience in the criminal justice system (and their loved ones) by equipping them with the tools to launch and grow successful businesses.
Meeting once a week, participants engage in structured coursework covering entrepreneurial mindset, marketing, accounting, financing, and business protection strategies. At the end of the course, participants present their businesses in a business pitch competition to a panel of community leaders and entrepreneurs for a chance to win startup funding.
RISE fosters self-sufficiency and economic independence through entrepreneurship, creating pathways to sustainable reentry and community impact.
Tony Horten - Fermented Felon
Left: Rhea Vinson - Sweet Meatz Desserts Right: Diamond Burrage - Dime Time LLC
Employment after Prison
Finding employment after incarceration poses significant barriers. Legal and licensing restrictions, stigma, minimal pay, limited access to education and job training…just to name a few. The unemployment rate for the formerly incarcerated is alarmingly high - 27.3% compared to 5.2% for those not impacted by the system.
Having a stable career is crucial to successful reentry. It provides consistent income to meet a persons basic needs and avoid the financial desperation that many returning citizens face.
Meaningful work restores dignity and purpose, offers a sense of identity and hope for their future beyond the prison walls. Employment isn’t a paycheck, it’s a lifeline.
Indirectly Impacted by Incarceration and Employment
When a loved one is incarcerated, the entire family “does the time” with them. Spouses, partners and children often face significant, yet overlooked, employment barriers that can severely disrupt economic stability and hinder career growth.
Family members, especially women, often take on additional caregiving responsibilities for children or aging relatives. This shift can reduce their availability for full-time work or opportunities for professional growth.
The financial strain of incarceration—including legal fees, commissary expenses, phone calls and travel for visits—can drain household resources. As a result, individuals may be forced to accept lower-paying jobs that offer immediate income rather than pursuing long-term career paths.
Additionally, the stigma of having an incarcerated loved one can negatively affect a person’s professional reputation. The associated stress, grief and anxiety can contribute to depression, burnout and reduced job performance, increasing the risk of underemployment or job loss.
Entrepreneurship after Prison
For many returning citizens, the path to employment comes through their own job creation - entrepreneurship. It’s one of the few ways people facing discrimination in the labor market can build a rewarding career.
Did you know…
Formerly incarcerated individuals are 40% more likely to pursue entrepreneurship than those without a criminal record. While we celebrate the grit and determination it takes to build a business and create generational wealth, this also highlights the significant barriers faced when reentering the traditional job market.
Entrepreneurship is lucrative and has the potential to lower recidivism rates. By accumulating valuable assets lie business equity, property and investments, entrepreneurs can create wealth for future generations.
RISE-ing Entrepreneurs
RISE is proud to celebrate 76 graduates of the RISE Business Academy and 44 thriving small businesses. Many graduates have expanded their ventures…some launching second and third businesses. We’re excited about their continued success and what’s ahead.
Want to see the RISE Business Academy in action?
The 13th RISE Business Academy cohort will pitch their businesses to a panel of community judges and graduate on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Join us to watch the competition and cheer on these rising entrepreneurs!
Want to be a part of the 14th cohort? Contact Dr. TJ Dickson here.
Rosey Fuller - Cleansin Cleaning
Irv Surber - Irv’s Sewing LLC
Danitalynn (Ms. Dee) Alamonte - It’s From Within Therapeutic Services LLC
