Check out more videos just like this!

The REDi (Re-Entry Entrepreneurship Development Initiative) Program is your 6-week entrepreneurship course designed for individuals transitioning from incarceration. It supports them in building business skills and launching ventures as a pathway to economic independence and reduced recidivism.

You received a $150,000 CICF Elevation Grant to support key barriers participants face—such as:
• Filing LLCs with the State of Indiana
• Transportation needs
• Business materials and pitch events
• Participant stipends or supportive services

The Program
The REDi program prepares participants by providing one-on-one coaching and a variety of workshop series that assist in the business planning process. REDi is designed into four key phases taught over a six-week class: Entrepreneurship 101, Business Planning, Start the Business, and Grow the Business.

REDi is currently accepting applicants for their upcoming August – October class. Take me to the application.

ELIGIBILITY In order to participate in the six-week REDi Course, all applicants must meet these basic criteria:

• Must have a criminal history and be at least six months post-incarceration.
• Must have an interest in small business ownership.
• Must have basic reading, math, and computer skills.
• Must have a working phone, phone number, and email address.
• Must be able to commit to six weeks of training, a 2-day week for three hrs. per class.
• Must have stable housing for six months.
• Must be willing to meet with a business coach during and/or after the course.

In the Headlines

Inside Indiana Business

In this Inside Indiana Business piece, learn about the 2020 REDi pitch winner. READ: “Chamber Honors Ex-offenders Pursing Business Dreams”

Read the Article

IBJ

In IBJ’s Q&A piece, Tichina Clark shares how she took the lessons she learned through the REDi program to create her business. READ: “Q&A with Tichina Clark, who turned lessons from prison into a business”

Read the Article

In the Words of REDi Students

“One of the essential components that allowed me to be where I am now in my life now was being involved in the REDi program. I ended up meeting [my business coach] and it was a pivotal point in my life.” Michael Lacey, Founder of Fort Goat Productions.