ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — To help remove the stigma around those with previous state or federal convictions, a new business program starting in August by the St. Louis County Library will teach formerly incarcerated people how to become entrepreneurs.
Twelve applicants will be chosen to participate in the St. Louis County Library’s Small Business Launchpad program where they will receive a free Chromebook with internet access, thanks to a recently awarded $3,500 Missouri Library Association’s Access & Innovation Fund grant, according to Megan Phifer-Davis, reference manager for the St. Louis County Library.
They also will receive a library card and four books throughout the program.
Over the course of six months, participants can learn the fundamentals of putting together a business plan, financial principles, marketing and branding, funding opportunities, licensing, legal aspects, participate in a small business conference and more.
The program will be held at the Natural Bridge branch, which is near the University of Missouri –St. Louis (UMSL) and close to public transportation. A similar program was launched at the Gwinnett County Public Library in Georgia called A Fresh Start, which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Phifer-Davis.
By the end of the program, the goal for participants is to either be close to launching their businesses or be in the planning stages of having their businesses up and running.
“What I’m really looking forward to is seeing how the group grows together,” Phifer-Davis said.
“Of course, I want them all to start a business and be making money because one of the biggest things with people that are formerly incarcerated is finding a job, and finding a sustainable job, and finding a job that actually pays well.”
She said data has shown that those with a record earn “a lot less” than the median income and they “typically are in unstainable jobs.”
“The reason we wanted to do this is that there is a stigma and discrimination against people that have a record, which is something we need to battle in and of itself as an economy,” Phifer-Davis said. “This is a great option to work for yourself, establish confidence and then establish that leadership mentality.”
At the end of the program, participants can enter a pitch competition where they will present their businesses to potential investors, according to Phifer-Davis. The competition will have first, second and third-place winners.
She said the purpose of the competition is to give the participants “the confidence to go out there and talk to funders about how their business is important and why they should be funded.”
Phifer-Davis also looks forward to participants building their support network with each other, the library and organizations.
Staff also will discuss the library’s many free resources, such as Udemy, an online learning platform that offers classes, including business, Phifer-Davis said. She also hopes to connect participants with other organizations that provide next-step business accelerators.
Guest speakers throughout the program include Lindenwood University’s Chief Entrepreneurship Officer Dan Lauer, Keisha Mabry Haymore, the founder of Heydays, representatives from Great Southern Bank and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, and more.
Depending on how well the program goes, it will be offered in the future on an annual basis focused on the formerly incarcerated demographic, according to Phifer-Davis.
With limited spots available, the deadline to apply online is June 30.
For more information about the Small Business Launchpad program, click here.