Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship: Starting Fresh After Release
Some people see prison as a dead end. Those of us who experienced free room and board, courtesy of the government, should collaborate in ways to disrupt such perspectives. Regardless of what bad decisions we’ve made in the past, we can always work toward making better decisions.
Such strategies open opportunities for us, even if it feels as if others are conspiring for our demise.
At Prison Professors Talent, we like to profile stories of people who rebuilt after their release from prison. Those people share one trait in common: They used their time inside to prepare for success outside. Prison, as it turned out, proved to be a fertile ground for growth, learning, and ultimately, empowerment through entrepreneurship.
I’m an entrepreneur–a business entrepreneur and a social-justice entrepreneur. The preparations I made in prison helped me to build a series of businesses. Those ventures generated resources that allowed me to overcome many challenges. During the first decade that passed after my release, I founded several businesses. I’ve invested many millions in real estate, stocks, and other ventures. But my real passion is changing a system that incarcerates far too many people, and that serve sentences that are far too long.
We need reforms that will encourage people to work toward earning freedom. And we need you to participate.
I designed our course, “Preparing for Success after Prison,” to inspire people with lessons that they can use to transform the incarceration experience into a launching pad for entrepreneurial success. We believe in the power of preparation, education, and the entrepreneurial spirit to not only navigate the journey back into society but to thrive in it.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Key to Unlocking Potential
Entrepreneurship is more than starting a business; it’s a mindset. It’s about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, taking calculated risks, and being resilient in the face of setbacks. This mindset is particularly crucial for individuals reentering society post-incarceration. It empowers them to take control of their lives and create opportunities for themselves and others.
Education and Preparation: The Foundation of Success
Our course emphasizes the importance of education and preparation in cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset. We provide resources and guidance to help individuals:
1. Develop Business Skills: From basic financial literacy to advanced business planning, we cover essential skills needed to start and run a successful business.
2. Foster Creativity and Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving, essential traits for any entrepreneur.
3. Build a Support Network: Networking with fellow entrepreneurs and mentors who can provide guidance, support, and opportunities.
Success Stories: From Incarceration to Innovation
We’ve seen numerous success stories of individuals who’ve used their time in incarceration to lay the groundwork for their entrepreneurial ventures. They’ve started businesses across various sectors, from technology to crafts, proving that with the right mindset and preparation, anything is possible.
Your Invitation to Empowerment
We invite you to join us at Prison Professors Talent. Whether you’re currently incarcerated or navigating the challenges of reentry, our course, “Preparing for Success after Prison,” is here to guide you on your entrepreneurial journey. Share your aspirations and progress with us at [email protected]. And remember, if you include “Request a Book” in the subject line of your email, we will donate a book from our resources to support your entrepreneurial endeavors, provided our nonprofit has the resources available.
Books to Inspire Your Entrepreneurial Journey:
1. Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Sentence
2. Success after Prison
3. Prison! My 8,344th Day
4. Release Plan 2024
5. Preparing for Success after Prison
In conclusion, at Prison Professors Talent, we believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship as a path to empowerment. We’re committed to helping you turn your period of incarceration into a springboard for entrepreneurial success. Join us, and let’s start fresh together, building a future where your past is not a barrier but a stepping stone to greater heights.
Respectfully,
Michael Santos
Founder, Prison Professors Talent
