Business Grants for People Previously Convicted of Felonies
Grants and dedicated resources can help formerly incarcerated individuals fund and manage their businesses.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Concerned about tariffs?
Many small-business owners are under increased economic stress and uncertainty following the latest tariff announcements. NerdWallet is here to help you find answers for whatever you're looking for. Here are some resources to help you get started:
Need emergency funding? Consider a business line of credit.
Looking for fast access to working capital? Discover the best working capital loans.
Want tips on how to mitigate the impact of tariffs? Read our guide.
As many as one in three American adults have criminal records. And because most employers run background checks, finding a job can be difficult for those previously convicted of a felony.
As a result, many turn to entrepreneurship — in fact, formerly incarcerated individuals are more than twice as likely to start businesses as those who’ve never been incarcerated. Although owning a business can still come with challenges, a variety of small-business grants and other resources are available to help formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs succeed.
How much do you need?
We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.
Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.
Grants for people previously convicted of a felony
Unlike small-business loans, grants provide free funding that doesn’t need to be repaid — making them a particularly good option for formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional financing or prefer to avoid debt.
Formerly incarcerated individuals can access business grants from a variety of sources, including corporations, nonprofit organizations and government programs. Some nonprofits even offer second-chance entrepreneurial programs — in other words, training and funding opportunities designed specifically for previously incarcerated people.
LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurial Academy
Amount: Cash prizes for business plan competition; graduates also eligible for a $1,000 microloan.
Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis; program runs twice per year.
Eligibility: Formerly incarcerated women with access to a computer.
Apply: Via a Google form on LEAP’s website.
LEAP is a nonprofit organization based in Florida that works with previously incarcerated women and helps them as they transition back into society. Its three-month virtual program runs twice a year, with classes twice per week. At the end of the course, participants pitch business plans to a panel of entrepreneurs for a chance to win cash prizes. LEAP covers all program costs through sponsor funding.
Georgetown Pivot Program
Amount: Weekly stipend throughout the one-year program; pitch competition awards: $3,500 (first place), $2,500 (second), $1,500 (third), and $1,000 (honorable mentions).
Deadline: Varies by cohort; applications for the next program open July 2026.
Eligibility: 25 years or older; have a high school diploma or GED; incarceration within the past five years; preference for Washington, D.C. residents.
Apply: Apply via Georgetown University’s Pivot Program website.
The Georgetown Pivot Program is a full-time, one-year program designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals develop the skills to succeed in a business and professional environment. After completing coursework, participants spend three months in a hands-on internship.
During that phase, they can choose between one of two post-program tracks: incubation or employment. Those who choose to create their own businesses can compete in the Pivot Pitch Competition for a chance to win startup funding.
The Transform Business Grant
Amount: $1,000.
Deadline: Closed Sept 26, 2025; dates for 2026 have not yet been announced.
Eligibility: Business owners from systemically oppressed groups, including formerly incarcerated individuals.
Apply: Via the Transform Business Grant website.
Grant winners also participate in a customized year-long growth-based mentorship program. Applicant businesses should be social-impact focused and aligned with Transform’s values, including antiracism and anticapitalism.
Amber Grants
Amount: $10,000 monthly Amber Grant; $10,000 monthly Startup Grant; $10,000 Business Category Grant; $25,000 annual Amber Grant (three issued at year end).
Deadline: Applications accepted year-round; awards issued monthly and annually.
Eligibility: Businesses that are at least 50% women-owned.
Apply: Via the Amber Grant website.
Although not designated exclusively for previously incarcerated individuals, the Amber Grant is another great funding option for women entrepreneurs. The nonprofit organization WomensNet issues one Amber Grant, one Startup Grant and one Business Category Grant each month. At the end of the year, one recipient from each category is selected for an additional $25,000 grant.
You can apply for all of these grants by submitting a single application through the Amber Grant website.
NASE Growth Grant
Amount: Up to $4,000.
Deadline: Rolling applications; reviewed on a quarterly basis (April, July, October and January).
Eligibility: Member of NASE; all business owners, including formerly incarcerated individuals.
Apply: Apply through the NASE website.
To be eligible for a Growth Grant, you must be a National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) member. The organization offers several different membership options, which include additional benefits, such as expert advice and product discounts.
Annual members can apply for a grant immediately. Monthly members, however, will have to wait 90 days before they can apply. For the application, you’ll need to provide a business plan and explain why you need the funds and how you’ll use the money.
Freed Fellowship Grant
Amount: $500 monthly microgrant; $2,500 annual grant opportunity.
Deadline: Rolling applications.
Eligibility: Underrepresented and overlooked small-business owners.
Apply: Via the Freed Fellowship website. $19 application fee is required.
All applicants get two free months of access to the Freed Studio, an online community for small-business owners. Grant winners also receive a strategy session with business experts, a spotlight on the Freed Stories podcast and a one-year free membership to the Freed Studio.
Restaurant Business Development Program
Amount: Varies.
Deadline: Closed in April 2025. Dates for 2026 haven’t been announced.
Eligibility: Businesses at least 51% owned by someone in one of the following groups: LGBTQ+; Black, indigenous or Latinx; military combat veteran; formerly incarcerated individuals or senior citizens.
Apply: Via the Feed the Soul Foundation website.
Culinary businesses in the U.S. are eligible for this program administered by the Feed the Soul Foundation. Businesses must have at least 24 months in operation to apply. In addition to a financial stipend, recipients get six months of educational training services.
Galaxy Grants
Amount: $2,500.
Deadline: Nov. 30, 2025.
Eligibility: Women- and minority business owners.
Apply: Via the Galaxy of Stars website.
Although not specific to previously incarcerated individuals, the Galaxy Grant provides funding to traditionally underserved business owners. Entrepreneurs in all stages of business (e.g. idea, startup, established) are eligible.
Breva Thrive Grant
Amount: $5,000.
Deadline: Currently closed; first quarter applications will open Jan. 1, 2026.
Eligibility: Open to all U.S.-based small businesses who can demonstrate an impact on their community.
Apply: Via the Breva website.
To qualify for a quarterly Breva Thrive Grant, your business must already be generating revenue. Breva also prefers applicants who have at least one year in business and are impacting historically underserved communities.
Secretsos Small Business Grant
Amount: $2,500.
Deadline: Quarterly; applications open the first day of the quarter and close on the last day (Jan 1–Mar 31, Apr 1–Jun 30, Jul 1–Sep 30, Oct 1–Dec 31).
Eligibility: Traditionally underserved business owners.
Apply: Via the Secretsos website; $15 application fee.
The Secretsos Small Business Grant program provides capital to entrepreneurs often overlooked by traditional investment sources, such as previously incarcerated individuals. Your business must be located in the U.S. and a legally registered entity to qualify.
If you subscribe to the Top Secret Funding Blueprint newsletter ($7 per month), you get one free grant application per quarter and priority placement in the review queue.
Grants.gov
Amount: Varies by grant program.
Deadline: Varies by grant; deadlines are listed within each opportunity on the Grants.gov website.
Eligibility: Open to all types of entrepreneurs, including formerly incarcerated individuals.
Apply: Register your business using the System Award Management platform and get a unique entity identification number; create an account on Grants.gov to submit applications.
Grants.gov is a centralized database of federal small-business grants, offering access to over 1,000 grants administered by over 20 government agencies, such as the Department of Energy, Department of State and Department of Transportation.
Additional resources for people previously convicted of a felony
Entrepreneurial training programs and other tools can be extremely beneficial for individuals previously convicted of a felony looking to start or grow their businesses — even if they don’t necessarily provide free funding. Finding organizations that focus on helping the formerly incarcerated transition back into society through entrepreneurship can be particularly useful.
Here are some available resources:
Help For Felons
The website HelpForFelons.org provides a wide variety of resources for those who were convicted of felonies, as well as other previously incarcerated individuals. Through the site, you can find job postings, legal information and housing options. You can also access lists of personal and business grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance.
Inmates to Entrepreneurs
Inmates to Entrepreneurs is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people with criminal backgrounds launch their own businesses. The organization offers free online and in-person courses to give would-be entrepreneurs the business education they need to get started.
Defy Ventures
Defy Ventures administers several second-chance programs with the goal of helping formerly incarcerated individuals succeed in their new lives and decrease the rate of recidivism. Through Defy Ventures, potential entrepreneurs can participate in an entrepreneur boot camp or a business accelerator. Through these programs, they gain the skills they need to launch and grow a business.
Entre Capital
For entrepreneurs who are still looking for financing, Entre Capital is a community development financial institution (CDFI), specifically devoted to providing capital to second-chance businesses. The organization only funds previously incarcerated individuals, offering them loans to start or expand their operations.
Entre Capital also offers assistance with business planning, budgeting and financial reporting, as well as mentorship resources.
Drive Change
Drive Change is a New York-based nonprofit that provides training and resources to formerly incarcerated individuals who are interested in working, or opening businesses in the food and hospitality industries. It offers a three-month, paid fellowship that focuses on building technical culinary skills, leadership training and includes a Food Handler’s Certification. In addition, participants will receive financial literacy training and access to psychotherapy.
Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are SBA-sponsored centers that provide free or low-cost training and assistance to new and existing businesses. These centers are typically hosted by local colleges or universities, as well as state economic development agencies. SBDCs often maintain lists of funding opportunities in your area and can help you find and apply for the best options for your needs.
Economic Development Offices
Most states and many cities have economic development offices, which are dedicated to promoting and supporting local businesses. Through your regional office, you’ll likely be able to find information regarding government funding solutions, training programs and tax incentives.
Maine’s Office of Business Development, for example, provides a variety of grant opportunities, including options that finance recreation businesses, local tourism, agriculture and food businesses, among others.
Frequently asked questions
On this page
On this page