Self-employment is becoming an increasingly popular option in today’s tough job market, but have you considered the problems faced by those leaving prison when it comes to gaining employment?
Finding a job is difficult for former inmates, and a lack of income and employment opportunities are major obstacles to re-assimilating back into society.
To help break this cycle, we teamed up with the Department of Justice to facilitate a series of small business workshops at Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women, Bandyup Women’s Prison and Karnet Prison Farm. The workshops explained the opportunities available through self-employment, and covered key business skills including business planning, financial management and marketing.
The workshops complement the work of the Department of Justice and their commitment to provide training and rehabilitation programs to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Since the workshop program began in August, we’ve already seen participants start successful small businesses following release from prison. The enterprises include landscaping, retail clothing, personal training and food service.
With the positive outcomes we’ve seen to-date, these workshops will continue in 2018 with a view to rolling them out to other prisons in the metro area.
About our services
We provide potential and current small business operators within industry or business associations with quality information and advice.
Contact us to find out how your organisation can partner with the SBDC.
