RISE BUSINESS ACADEMY

Economic growth through entrepreneurship.

ABOUT THE RISE BUSINESS ACADEMY:

The RISE Business Academy (RBA) promotes self-sufficiency, independence, and economic growth through entrepreneurship for individuals with justice-system experience and their family members.

“The impact on our RBA participants is empowerment, hope, education, knowledge, access to resources and opportunities, and support system and community as they build and grow their businesses.

These businesses provide needed services and products, safer neighborhoods, healthier neighbors, and opportunities to give back in the form of volunteering and/or donations.”

Dr. TJ Dickson, Director of RISE Business Academy

Individual Impact:

The RISE Business Academy delivers hope, business knowledge, and financial skills. Participants build self-sufficiency and independence as business owners.

Community Impact:

Through the RISE Business Academy, local economic growth is stimulated by establishing businesses that fulfill community needs for products and services. Successful RISE Business Academy alumni contribute to safer, healthier neighborhoods and create opportunities for local volunteering and charitable donations.

66

ACTIVE SMALL
BUSINESSES

100

PROGRAM
GRADUATES

16

COMPLETE
COHORTS

Classes Offered for
System-Impacted:

The RISE Business Academy offers a 12-week class two times a year focusing on the successful development and launch of a local small business. Classes dive deep into the entrepreneurial mindset, marketing and sales methods, accounting, taxes, how to finance and protect one’s business, and business plan development.

The course culminates in a Pitch Competition before a panel of local business leaders and entrepreneurs, where top winners have the opportunity to secure cash prizes to fund their business launch.

Ongoing graduate services include on-demand technical assistance, micro-business loans, legal office hours, free 1-hour consultations for branding and accounting, continuing education workshops (2-4 times per year), graduate newsletters, and small business showcases.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Anyone whose family has been directly or indirectly impacted by the prison system is welcomed and encouraged to apply for enrollment. You do not need to be a previous RISE participant or graduate to participate.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Apply by emailing Dr. TJ Dickson below.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Questions Or want to apply for
the next cohort?

Email Dr. TJ Dickson, Director of RISE Business Academy

Dr. TJ Dickson smiles in front of a mural for her headshot.

NEED DIFFERENT SUPPORT?

If our program or offerings are not the best fit for you and your family, we work to connect individuals with other community resources, including but not limited to:

RISE BUSINESS ACADEMY

Advisory Council

Join a growing community of ambassadors supporting the program

Learn more

RISE BUSINESS ACADEMY VOLUNTEERING

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours
    Locations: Heartland Workforce or RISE Office

    Speaking on a Wednesday night to the class on one of the following topics (or a small business topic not listed here that you think would add value to the class)

    Class topics include: 
    Accounting and taxes
    Protecting your business (permits, insurance, etc.) 
    Marketing your business
    Financing your business / Financial Projections
    Preparing a business plan / Business structures
    Social media for your business
    Know your Why (mindset, mission and vision, etc.).
    Business ideas and opportunities
    Hiring vs. Contracting
    Sales
    Sharing your personal small business story, successes, lessons learned, Q&A, etc.
    Computers/Technology/Software

    Frequency: As needed. Classes take place Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm.

    Requirements:
    •     Experience in your topic of choice.

    Email Dr. TJ Dickson here for more information.

  • Time Commitment: Once per week for a minimum of one hour for 6-8 weeks.
    Locations: Various: Omaha, Lincoln, Zoom

    Meet/chat with your RISE Business Academy mentee once per week (or with some agreed-upon frequency) and support their business plan, business pitch, answer questions, coach them, etc. We will pair you with someone that makes sense based on your background and the type of business they want to start.

    Frequency: Every 12 weeks

    Requirements:
    •     Experience in your field/topic of choice.

    Email Dr. TJ Dickson about becoming a RISE Business Academy Mentor/Coach here.

  • Time Commitment: 3-4 hours
    Locations: Omaha or Lincoln

    The Business Pitch Competition provides an opportunity for RISE Business Academy participants to pitch and receive constructive feedback about the viability of their businesses from experienced executives, entrepreneurs, and investors while competing for prizes, payable to their business.

    Judges will have a brief amount of me to deliberate privately after all presenters have pitched. Judges will rank participants based on the following criteria: 

    • Clarity and persuasiveness of presentation 

    • Feasibility and scalability of business concept 

    • Credibility and leadership potential of the entrepreneur 

    • Potential to hire RISE graduates

    Frequency: As needed.

    Requirements:
    •     Expertise in areas of small business and entrepreneurship.

    To receive more information on becoming a RISE Business Academy Business Pitch Competition Judge, email Dr. TJ Dickson here.

Upcoming Events

Events
RISE Business Academy Business Pitch Competition and Graduation
Nov 14
RISE Business Academy, Staff, Board, Community
RISE Business Academy Business Pitch Competition and Graduation
RISE Business Academy, Staff, Board, Community

Join us as we celebrate the next graduating cohort of the RISE Business Academy! Lunch and refreshments provided.

Read more →
RISE Business Academy, Staff, Board, Community

RISE Programs