Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
LYNN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A free program offered by a consulting firm is helping formerly incarcerated people learn business skills.
The 12-week course is called the Business of Hard Knocks, and it’s provided by Roads Consulting Group. Through the program, former inmates and their families learn how to start their own businesses since it can be difficult to find a job out of prison.
“Getting employed, it’s challenging for these individuals. The vision of this program is so they can overcome their challenge and they can start their own business and start from zero,” said Andrea Perez, a senior consultant.
The program is a collaboration between Roads Consulting Group, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the Economic Development Industrial Corporation in Lynn, the North Shore Latino Business Association, and the Lynn Police Department.
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The first cohort of nine people graduated recently, and they each received a $1,500 stipend to help them get started in the business world.
Cohort members have plans to start a body shop and a clothes store, among other things.
“We think they’re going to do phenomenally,” shared Roads CEO Jose Perez.
He explained that this program has helped change the dialogue around former inmates and their career prospects.
“Before, we just talked about the issues and challenges and how hard it is and whatnot. Today, the conversation has pivoted, and we’re able to say, ‘Here’s how we can help, here’s how we can change.’”
The program is funded by a Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant from the state for $900,000 for the next three years.
“To be able to provide more solutions than problems to our community goes a long way,” added Jose.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.
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