A free 12-week program to help those formerly incarcerated start their own business.

Have a business idea? We will help you make it real!

Comeback Catalyst is a free 12-week online course for people who were in jail. In this program, you will get the tools, mentors, and confidence you need to start and grow your own business. 

This program will meet you where you are. Whether you want to start a food business, a clothing brand, a trade service, an online store, or something else, Comeback Catalyst will give you the training and people you need to help you succeed.

Classmates working together

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from individuals who:

  • Have a history of incarceration and are looking for a second

    chance

  • Have a business idea they are passionate about pursuing

  • Are at least 18 years old

  • Reside in Canada

Classmates engaging in conversation

Program Format

  • 90-minute online class once a week

  • About 1-2 hours of work you can do on your own each week

  • Extra time to meet with mentors and new people if you want

You will receive:

  • Live Weekly Classes – Learn important business skills from

    people who have run businesses before.

  • One-on-One Mentors – Work with a mentor who will help you

    with your business plan and share helpful tips.

  • Hands-On Learning – Learn about branding, money, running

    your business, and how to tell people about what you sell.

  • Community & Friends – Meet other people, mentors, and

    business owners who want to help you succeed.

  • Graduation Day & Certificate of Completion – At the end, you

    will celebrate all your hard work and accomplishment with a

    graduation day! And you will receive a gift certificate that you

    can put on your resume

Weekly Topics 

  1. Getting Started & Learning About Business

  2. Make a Business Plan That Gets Results

  3. Set Goals and Achieve Them

  4. What You Really Need to Know About Business Law 

  5. Make a Brand People Remember

  6. Get to Know Your Customers — So They Keep Coming Back

  7. Handling Money: Funding, Budgets & Growth

  8. Get Ready to Launch Your Business

  9. How to Close Sales & Get Customers

  10. Smart Marketing

  11. Harnessing Resilience & Strength

  12. Graduation!

By the end of the program, you will know how to start your own business, make

more money, and contribute to your community. This program is not just about

learning business skills. It is about building a better future and getting a second

chance. Ready to get started?