ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced $100,000 in grants awards to support five organizations in their work to prepare current and formerly incarcerated Marylanders to pursue business ownership and economic self-sufficiency. Selected organizations will receive $20,000 to deliver programming through the
New Start Grant Program, which supports entrepreneurship training and reentry services for justice-involved Marylanders.
“We need to end the myth that every sentence becomes a life sentence,” said Gov. Moore. “Returning citizens deserve a real second chance. And building pathways to an honest fresh start doesn’t just move us closer to a more just Maryland, it also helps us create a more vibrant economy where everyone has a shot at turning an idea into a job-creator.”
The New Start Grant Program provides financial support for organizations that serve certain populations of returning citizens and incarcerated Marylanders. Organizations with recognized entrepreneurship development programs receive funding to provide training to justice-involved individuals who aspire to become business owners. By tackling barriers to economic self-sufficiency for returning citizens, the grants can help reduce recidivism and increase economic growth in communities across Maryland.
“These grants aim to support justice-involved Marylanders in contributing their talents to communities across our state, and help them realize their potential,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Entrepreneurship offers a powerful path to financial independence and community leadership. By providing both training and critical support, like mentoring and reentry services, the New Start program helps returning citizens move past barriers and turn ideas into business plans.”
The following organizations received New Start grants:
- Building Blocks Services, LLC (Baltimore City)
- Perspectives Partnership, Inc. (Montgomery County)
- Pathways to Excellence, Inc. (Prince George’s County)
- Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (Charles County)
- X is Possible, LLC (Prince George’s County)
The organizations will serve returning citizens during incarceration and post-release, helping them take meaningful steps toward building a business and a stable future. Competitive grant applicants demonstrated successful implementation, or a plan to implement programming that includes entrepreneurship training, executive mentoring by business professionals, and business plan competition. With the support of New Start Grants funding, each program will also include supportive services like financial literacy education and mental health support resources.
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