Igniting Second Chances
Helping justice-involved people start their own business after incarceration.
Your gift helps the next entrepreneur make their comeback.
Why Comeback Catalyst exists
About 37,000 people are released from Canadian prisons every year. On average, justice-involved Canadians earn about $14,000 a year and it is 3X harder to secure employment with a criminal record.
Many justice-involved individuals we meet already have a business idea and the drive to make it happen. What they're often missing is support to show them how, mentorship, guidance and community as they launch their business idea. That's what we do.
How do we help?
We run a free 6-week entrepreneurship program for justice-involved people anywhere in Canada. Participants learn how to start and run a business, get one-on-one mentorship from our team, and join a community of people who've been where they are. After they graduate, they join our alumni network where they get access to monthly masterclasses and continued 1:1 support as needed as they launch their venture. Our programming is virtual to ensure it is accessible for all participants across Canada.
More than 160 entrepreneurs have graduated from the program, and 50 have got their first customers. They run food businesses, clothing brands, service companies and more.
We are here to support them in making their comeback after incarceration.
