Wayne asked me to ask you all if you know of any financial aid available to ex-convicts. I know there are tax breaks that employers can get, but he's talking about things like money to start a business or to "start over." Either in grant or loan form.

Thanks for any information.

hmmm, interesting question. I'll see what I can find out

It may take some extensive research on that, you know how they feel about "criminals" but I'm sure there is help out there. Good luck.

Monica, my husband was telling me the same thing. Said you could get up to $50,000 to start a business. I'd like more info also.

Tracy

I have heard that there is money for starting a business but I dont know the details--I will see what I can find.

Thanks - I haven't been able to find out anything! He really wants to start his own construction comany when he comes home.

You might have some luck w/ the city planning board or an organization similar to that. Sometimes they are willing to help out w/ small loans to help build up the community. Does he already have a good credit standing or does anyone know how a prisoner can try to build one w/ help from the outside?? I'm very curious about this myself!

Also, has anyone ever had any experience regarding a bank's willingness or unwillingness to give credit based on a criminal record? Do they even really check?

There are some government grants for people that would like to start businesses. Maybe you could find something in the blue pages of gov. listings

>>>experience regarding a bank's willingness<<<

In years past, I found they wanted a history of "work" experience in the field. Not just as a worker, but lot's of leadership control & accounting.

I've found that banks are hard to deal with if a government program isn't involved or a person doesn't have personal holding that is worth 200% above what is barrowed for a business deal.

Reason, over 50% of small business go under, inventory goes for 10% and equipment less then 50% of value at auction.

Without a business plan, NO ONE is going to talk about giving a loan!!! In this plan, there's more then inventory/equipment. Accounting (I do my own is a RED flag), rent (operating out of the home is a RED flag), Advertizing, (I know people or word of mouth is a RED flag), Then the operating expence's (insurance, UT's ect) and living expences (it doesn't take much for me is a RED flag).

It has been learned what RED flags that cause's a startup business to fail and I haven't covered them all?

thanks BRay for this information. your knowledge comes in handy here!

Make a plan and then work the plan.

Now the question is, how to write a business plan?


I think the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce and the public library would be able to direct a person to those that could help a person do that.

In most cities, there are retired business men that are willing to help and with there knowledge, would bypass some pit falls.

As long as a person has a dream, there's hope!

Thanks BRay - I'll do more research and send him info on writing a business plan.

Business Plan Pro 4.0....by Palo Alto is great for writing your own business plans.

this sounds like a good grant prposal to write! since ex-cons have such a difficult time obtaining employment, and often in despair return to crime--a very convincing grant could be written to start a pilot project ....and positive outcomes would support further funding in this regard---