If you’re interested in supporting the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals in Maryland, the Grant for Felons in Laurel might be a valuable resource. This program focuses on helping small businesses subsidize wages for returning citizens. To see if your business qualifies and to understand the application process, you’ll want to investigate the eligibility requirements and funding opportunities available. There’s more to uncover about how this initiative can benefit both your business and the community.
Key Takeaways
- The City of Laurel offers grants to support businesses hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, with funding of $50,000 available annually.
- Eligible businesses in Laurel must have an annual payroll under $7 million and no more than 50 employees.
- Grants subsidize $5.00 per hour of starting salary for returning citizens employed by local businesses.
- The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) provides grants up to $4,000 for small business support in Maryland.
- Local resources and organizations offer additional funding, training, and support for entrepreneurs with felony convictions.
Overview of the Grant Program
The grant program in Maryland aims to support the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into the workforce by subsidizing their starting salaries. This initiative allocates $50,000 from the FY2026 Operating General Budget to assist these individuals in securing employment.
Eligible businesses, located within the City of Laurel, must have an annual payroll not exceeding $7 million and employ no more than 50 individuals. The application process includes a pre-application meeting with the City of Laurel Department of Economic and Community Development.
Grants are distributed to the first five eligible businesses, promoting timely grant distribution for effective reintegration efforts.
Eligibility Requirements
For businesses looking to apply for the grant, several key eligibility requirements must be met:
- Your business must be within the incorporated limits of Laurel, have an annual payroll under $7 million, and no more than 50 employees.
- You need a current Use and Occupancy permit and must be in good standing with local and state authorities.
- Only business entities can apply; applicants must comply with probation or parole or have completed it before applying.
These eligibility requirements guarantee that federal grants support small businesses focused on community development and hiring formerly incarcerated people while adhering to local government regulations.
Application Process
Before submitting your application for the grant, you’ll need to attend a mandatory pre-application meeting with a representative from the City of Laurel’s Economic and Community Development (ECD).
Verify your application is complete and accurate, as no updates or corrections will be accepted post-submission. Only one application per business entity is eligible to apply for funding opportunities.
Grants are awarded to the first five eligible businesses, and applications are reviewed in the order received.
Submit your application electronically through the designated online portal, as paper applications aren’t accepted. This process supports economic development for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Funding Opportunities for Felons
Funding opportunities abound for individuals with felony convictions, providing essential support for those looking to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship. Here are some key resources to evaluate:
- City of Laurel grants: Subsidize $5.00 per hour of starting salary for returning citizens.
- National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE): Offers grants up to $4,000 to help individuals start or grow businesses.
- Small Business Administration (SBA): Provides microloans up to $50,000 and entrepreneurial training tailored for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Programs like the LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurial Academy and the Transform Business Grant further improve these funding opportunities for small business ownership.
Additional Resources and Support Organizations
While steering the path to entrepreneurship can be challenging for individuals with felony convictions, a variety of resources and support organizations are available to assist in this journey.
| Organization | Services Offered |
|---|---|
| HelpForFelons.org | Resources, training, mentorship |
| Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) | Free/low-cost business training, funding access |
| National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) | Grants up to $4,000 for small business owners |
| Local Community Organizations | Business grants and reintegration support |
Explore these nonprofit organizations and local resources to help you find funding opportunities, training, and an entrepreneur boot camp tailored for previously incarcerated individuals.
State-by-State Grants for Felons: Quick Summary of Support & Eligibility
| Alabama | Discusses Alabama grants and assistance for felons reentering society, including employment and training programs. |
| Alaska | Covers Alaska support for felons, including workforce grants, housing aid, and reintegration resources. |
| Arizona | Explains Arizona assistance and grants aimed at felons for job training, education, and reintegration help. |
| Arkansas | Summarizes Arkansas programs and grants that help felons with employment access and reentry support. |
| California | Details California grants and financial aid options for felons seeking education, jobs, or housing support. |
| Colorado | Covers Colorado’s felon grant resources, workforce training funds, and reintegration aid information. |
| Connecticut | Discusses Connecticut’s financial support and program options for felons, including training and placement. |
| Delaware | Summarizes Delaware assistance for felons, including reintegration, employment support, and grants. |
| Florida | Explains Florida grants and support programs for felons, focusing on jobs, training, and reentry resources. |
| Georgia | Details Georgia programs and available grants for felons seeking employment and life stability support. |
| Hawaii | Covers Hawaii assistance options for felons including grants for job readiness and reintegration services. |
| Idaho | Summarizes Idaho support for felons, including employment grants, training help, and reintegration aid. |
| Illinois | Explains Illinois felon grant options, workforce development funds, and reentry program support. |
| Indiana | Discusses Indiana assistance for felons including job training, grants, and reintegration resources. |
| Iowa | Summarizes Iowa felon grant programs, employment training funds, and reintegration supports. |
| Kansas | Covers Kansas resources and grants for felons focusing on job placement and life skills aid. |
| Kentucky | Explains Kentucky assistance and grant opportunities for felons seeking work and stability. |
| Louisiana | Details Louisiana support programs and felon grants for workforce access and reentry help. |
| Maine | Summarizes Maine grants and assistance for felons including training and income support options. |
| Massachusetts | Explains Massachusetts grants and funding for felons for work, education, and reintegration. |
| Michigan | Details Michigan assistance options and grant programs for felons seeking jobs and stability. |
| Minnesota | Summarizes Minnesota felon grant resources including job training and reentry support. |
| Mississippi | Covers Mississippi assistance for felons including grants and workforce training options. |
| Missouri | Explains Missouri grant and support programs available to felons for employment and reintegration. |
| Montana | Summarizes Montana assistance and grant programs for felons including training and placement help. |
| Nebraska | Details Nebraska resources for felons with grant info for work readiness and reintegration. |
| Nevada | Covers Nevada assistance programs and felon grants focusing on employment and reintegration aid. |
| New Hampshire | Summarizes New Hampshire felon support, including grant programs for job training and reintegration. |
| New Jersey | Explains New Jersey felon grant opportunities with a focus on job readiness and support services. |
| New Mexico | Covers New Mexico resources and grant programs for felons aimed at employment and reintegration. |
| New York | Summarizes New York felon grant options for education, jobs, and support during reentry. |
| North Carolina | Details North Carolina’s felon support and grant programs for work, training and reintegration. |
| North Dakota | Covers North Dakota assistance and grants for felons focusing on employment and stability. |
| Ohio | Explains Ohio’s felon grant resources for job training, education, and reentry aid. |
| Oklahoma | Summarizes Oklahoma support programs and free grant info for felons seeking employment. |
| Oregon | Covers Oregon’s felon grants and assistance programs for training, jobs, and reintegration help. |
| Pennsylvania | Details Pennsylvania grant and support options for felons involving job readiness and aid. |
| Rhode Island | Summarizes Rhode Island’s felon support, including grants for workforce training and reintegration. |
| South Carolina | Covers South Carolina felon grant programs focusing on jobs, skills, and reentry support. |
| South Dakota | Explains South Dakota assistance grants for felons, including training and job access support. |
| Tennessee | Summarizes Tennessee felon grants and workforce programs for reentry success. |
| Texas | Details Texas felon support grants, employment assistance, and training program coverage. |
| Utah | Covers Utah’s felon grant resources focusing on job training and reintegration help. |
| Vermont | Summarizes Vermont assistance grants for felons including work support and training. |
| Virginia | Explains Virginia’s felon grants and workforce supports including reintegration aid. |
| Washington | Covers Washington state felon assistance programs and relevant grants for job, training, and stability. |
| West Virginia | Summarizes West Virginia felon support and grant programs focused on employment and skills. |
| Wisconsin | Details Wisconsin felon grant resources for training, employment, and community reintegration. |
| Wyoming | Covers Wyoming’s grant options and assistance programs for felons seeking employment support. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Grants for Felons?
Yes, there are grants for felons focusing on rehabilitation programs, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and education grants. These resources support skills development, job training, financial literacy, and community support networks to aid reintegration.
What Grants Are Available in Maryland?
In Maryland, you’ll find grants for job training, housing assistance, education funding, and business development. Community resources include legal aid, mental health support, substance abuse programs, and financial literacy initiatives to help you thrive.
What Is the Second Chance Act Grant Money?
The Second Chance Act grant money supports reintegration programs, providing financial assistance for rehabilitation initiatives, employment opportunities, and social services. Eligible organizations improve community outreach and create support networks within the criminal justice system.
What Is the Maryland Small Grant Program?
The Maryland Small Grant Program supports small businesses with funding limits up to $50,000. You’ll need to meet eligibility criteria, submit your application promptly, and can use funds for various eligible expenses. Success stories abound!
Conclusion
In summary, the Grant for Felons in Maryland serves as a guiding light of hope, illuminating pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals to rejoin the workforce. By supporting small businesses, this program not only fosters community growth but also helps individuals rebuild their lives. If you’re a small business owner looking to make a difference, consider applying for this grant. Together, you can help transform lives like a seed blossoming into a vibrant flower, enriching the community as a whole.