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Jazz Lewis
Delegate | Annapolis, MD

Maryland’s New Start Act

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: American Rescue Plan

2023 Ideas Challenge Entry

Previously justice-involved citizens often find themselves without work or opportunities upon their reentry. Even fewer are able to go on to become small business owners or entrepreneurs. The New Start Act, introduced by Maryland Delegate Jazz Lewis, provides grant money to train returning citizens to be small business owners and with seed money to start their small businesses.

Impact:

Approved in 2022, the program has started accepting applications from nonprofits looking to provide training for returning citizens who would like to be small business owners. Graduates from the program are able to apply for funding for their business ideas so that they can turn their ideas into functioning and operating businesses. Success will be measured by looking at the graduates who go on to be entrepreneurial small business owners who move on with their lives to be active participants in their local economy.