Employment is one of the greatest barriers to the success of returning citizens or formerly-incarcerated individuals and is directly related to an individual’s ability to avoid re-offending. Entrepreneurship is an equal opportunity employer and alternative solution to finding sustainable employment for formerly-incarcerated individuals. The ReEntry Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDi) addresses the likely connection between entrepreneurship and reducing the rate of re-offending by providing technical business training and education to incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated individuals. REDi is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 
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 5-week class: Entrepreneurship 101, Business Planning, Start the Business, and Grow the Business.
Classes have been suspended on account of COVID-19 until further notice.
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 5-week class: Entrepreneurship 101, Business Planning, Start the Business, and Grow the Business.
Classes have been suspended on account of COVID-19 until further notice.
Want to learn more about the REDi program and be notified when applications open for our next round of classes? Enter your information here, and our staff will be in touch!
The REDi pitch competition provides 5 entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their business to the audience and compete for a $2,500 cash prize plus a package of professional services.
Learn MoreThe REDi pitch competition provides 5 entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their business to the audience and compete for a $2,500 cash prize plus a package of professional services.
Learn More
In this opinion piece, the case is made for the importance of providing education opportunities that allow a second chance. READ: “Remove Education Barriers for Incarcerated Hoosiers”
Read the Article
In RTV6’s Hiring Hoosiers segment, REDi is highlighted as a program focused on removing barriers to employment. READ/WATCH: “REDi program teaches former inmates the skills to become business owners”
Read the Article“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
“The REDi coach pays attention to each issue and helped me focus on moving my product from paper to life.” Thomas Burnette, Founder of Mix Masters LLC
“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
“The REDi coach pays attention to each issue and helped me focus on moving my product from paper to life.” Thomas Burnette, Founder of Mix Masters LLC
For more information about REDi, please contact program manager Neil Metzger at 317.464.2232 or email us through the button below.
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