You know the saying, “It’s not just what happens to you, but what you do next”? If you have a felony conviction in Tennessee, several targeted grants and programs exist to help you rebuild through entrepreneurship and job training, offering more than just financial aid but also critical support and mentorship.
Yet accessing these resources often requires understanding specific eligibility criteria and overcoming systemic barriers that still linger. What does that landscape look like for you?
Key Takeaways
- TransFORM Business Grant provides $1,000 and a year-long business plan program for Tennessee felons, with applications accepted twice yearly.
- Amber Grants award three monthly $10,000 prizes, including to women with felony convictions, supporting new and growing businesses.
- Community Reentry Reinvestment Grant (CRRG) funds job training, education, and support services for justice-involved individuals in Tennessee, targeting high-demand careers.
- Federal Pell Grants and Second Chance Pell Grants help cover educational costs for felons pursuing vocational, associate, or bachelor degree programs.
- SBA microloans and crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter offer alternative funding options for felon-owned businesses in Tennessee.
Overview of Reentry Support Programs in Tennessee
Several reentry support programs in Tennessee work together to help individuals with felony convictions rebuild their lives after incarceration.
The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) offers transitional housing assistance for up to 60 days post-release, job training, and employment programs tailored to reduce recidivism and connect you directly with employers.
Project Return in Nashville provides job readiness training, mentoring, and links to felon-friendly employers in the area.
Local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs deliver targeted job training and career counseling for the formerly incarcerated.
Grants like the Community Reentry Reinvestment Grant (CRRG) further expand access to upskilling, certification, and wraparound support for sustainable employment.
The 2-1-1 helpline connects you to housing, mental health, and additional reentry support resources statewide.
Private Grant Opportunities for Felons in Tennessee
You can access private grant opportunities designed specifically for felons in Tennessee by focusing on programs that combine startup funding with hands-on business development. Many of these opportunities also recognize that food support and health services are critical foundations for entrepreneurs rebuilding their lives.
Several grants target formerly incarcerated individuals and other marginalized groups, offering both capital and skills training:
- The TRANSFORM Business Grant provides $1,000 plus a tailored, year-long business plan and development program, with applications open twice each year. Its structure helps stabilize early-stage founders who may also be navigating basic needs like food access or healthcare.
- Amber Grants award three $10,000 monthly prizes to women-owned businesses—including women with felony convictions—along with a $25,000 year-end grant, offering meaningful financial breathing room.
- NASE Growth Grants offer up to $4,000 to eligible members for small business development expenses, helping reduce upfront financial pressure.
- The LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurship Academy combines a $1,000 microloan with 12 weeks of training and a pitch competition, supporting both business readiness and long-term planning.
In addition, many local Tennessee-based nonprofits and reentry organizations provide financial assistance tied to wraparound services, including referrals for food support programs and access to health services. Pairing business grants with these supports increases stability, allowing you to focus on growing your business while meeting essential personal needs.
Government Grants and Funding Resources for Reentering Individuals
To access government grants and funding resources in Tennessee, you can investigate federal programs like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for job training and career services.
Additionally, you can consider reentry housing assistance and workforce development support to help stabilize your living situation and career prospects.
These initiatives, alongside local programs, provide comprehensive support to individuals with felony convictions as they reintegrate into society.
Federal Grant Programs
A significant number of federal grant programs are designed to support people with felony convictions as they reenter Tennessee communities—targeting recidivism reduction, job training, and access to education. These resources are especially relevant for former military members transitioning back to civilian life and seniors seeking stable income pathways or skill renewal.
The Second Chance Act, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, funds community-based reentry programs that improve outcomes by strengthening reentry services and reducing repeat offenses.
You can find numerous federal opportunities on Grants.gov, many of which are open to applicants regardless of criminal history, depending on program purpose and eligibility rules.
The U.S. Department of Labor offers funding for job training and employment programs tailored to individuals with criminal records, including workforce reentry pathways that can benefit veterans and older workers.
For education, Pell Grants help cover educational costs up to $7,395 per year, making retraining or credential programs more accessible. Additionally, Community Development Financial Institutions provide financial assistance and favorable lending options for business ventures, supporting entrepreneurship and economic stability during reentry.
Reentry Housing Assistance
- Transitional housing support through TDOC
- Housing and job services via Project Return
- 2-1-1 helpline for locating reentry housing assistance
Workforce Development Support
After securing stable housing, reentering individuals in Tennessee often face the next significant challenge: finding employment that aligns with their skills and experience.
Federal programs like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provide grant funding that supports job training, career counseling, and workforce development tailored to people with a criminal record.
Local resources offer assistance with resume writing and interview preparation, while the Tennessee Reconnect Grant helps cover financial aid for education.
Community organizations such as Project Return improve employment opportunities by connecting you with employers willing to hire felons and offering ongoing support services.
Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programs for Formerly Incarcerated
Additionally, educational funding like the Second Chance Pell Grant supports further vocational training and higher education for skill building.
State and Local Resources for Business Support and Training
While reentering the workforce, you can access a range of state and local resources in Tennessee designed to support business development and skill training for formerly incarcerated individuals.
The Tennessee Department of Labor offers job training programs paired with connections to felony conviction-friendly employers.
Local SBDCs provide free workshops and mentoring tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs, helping you navigate business challenges.
Additionally, Project Return supplies employment training and job placement assistance.
You can utilize federal programs and Pell Grants to access educational opportunities addressing your financial need, aiding both skill development and business startup efforts.
Alternative Financial Resources for Felon-Owned Businesses
Although traditional lenders often hesitate to work with entrepreneurs who’ve felony convictions, Tennessee felon-owned businesses aren’t out of options—there’s a growing array of alternative financial resources that welcome or even prioritize your participation, letting you sidestep common barriers to business growth.
- Angel investors focus on supporting community-driven startups, offering not just capital but mentorship, especially for felon-owned businesses committed to local impact.
- Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo help you raise funds by sharing your story, validating your idea with a broad audience while bypassing traditional credit checks.
- SBA microloans (up to $50,000), CDFIs, and organizations such as Accion Opportunity Fund and Kiva provide targeted financial assistance, flexible loans, and business advice, prioritizing disadvantaged entrepreneurs in Tennessee.
Overcoming Challenges Faced by Felons in Accessing Business Funding
Overcoming the challenges of accessing business funding as a felon in Tennessee requires persistence and a strategic approach. Your criminal history can trigger stigma and restrict your ability to secure traditional loans or grants, with many programs explicitly excluding applicants with felony convictions.
Poor credit ratings—common after incarceration—add another barrier, since lenders and grantors often prioritize credit history. However, you can pursue grants for felons and other financial resources designed for disadvantaged entrepreneurs, such as the SBA’s microloan program and the National Association for Self-Employed Growth Grants.
Local initiatives, nonprofit mentorship, and training and workshops through Small Business Development Centers offer practical guidance and support for small business owners rebuilding their lives. By leveraging these targeted programs and proactively addressing credit and business readiness, you can improve your chances of accessing funding and launching a successful venture, despite the systemic obstacles.
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. |
| Maryland | Covers Maryland felon support programs with grant info for employment and reintegration. |
| 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. |
| 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
What Grants Can Felons Get?
You can access education grants available like the Tennessee Reconnect and Pell Grants, vocational training options through TCATs, small business funding such as the Fresh Start grant, felon employment opportunities via WIOA programs, housing assistance programs including vouchers, financial aid resources, public assistance eligibility, community support networks, legal aid services, and rehabilitation programs tailored for felons in Tennessee.
What Is the Second Chance Act in Tennessee?
The Second Chance Act in Tennessee funds Criminal Justice rehabilitation programs providing Employment Opportunities, Housing Assistance, Record Expungement, Legal Aid, Educational Grants, and Community Support to improve reintegration services for formerly incarcerated individuals.
What Is the Hardship Relief Program in Tennessee?
Hardship relief in Tennessee programs offers you financial assistance through community resources and support services to overcome felon challenges, navigate employment barriers, access legal aid, and promote social reintegration with rehabilitation support tailored to your needs.
Who Is Eligible for a Hardship Grant?
You’re eligible for a hardship grant if you meet hardship criteria like income limitations, provide documentation through the grant application, and comply with eligibility requirements despite a criminal record. Support services and community resources may be involved in the application process, depending on funding sources.
Conclusion
You face significant challenges after conviction, with nearly 75% of people released from prison remaining unemployed after one year. Grants in Tennessee such as the TRANSFORM Business Grant and Amber Grants can provide essential startup funds and mentorship, bypassing traditional lending barriers. Taking advantage of these programs, plus federal initiatives like the Second Chance Act, can empower you to build a stable business and improve economic stability through entrepreneurship.