The burden of a criminal record makes securing employment and achieving economic security seemingly impossible due to stigma, criminal background checks, and occupational licensing restrictions. The Prison Policy Initiative reported the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated individuals stands at approximately 27% in the U.S, surpassing even the total unemployment rate during the Great Depression. Research estimates an annual GDP loss of between $78 and $87 billion due to employment barriers faced by those with criminal records.
The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is taking decisive action to change this narrative, forging pathways to success for individuals impacted by the justice system.
In collaboration with the Arizona Governor’s Office, ASBA is proud to announce the launch of a new cohort of the Growing Opportunities (GO) program coming this September. The GO program is a training and mentorship program designed to empower and equip justice-impacted individuals to succeed. Our mentees have the opportunity to focus on professional empowerment to prepare for and find meaningful employment or begin their entrepreneurship journey of starting or growing their own ventures with the guidance of an expert mentor.
“The GO program is a vital step towards a more inclusive and economically vibrant Arizona. We are committed to providing justice-impacted individuals with the tools they need to thrive personally, professionally, and entrepreneurially,” said Emma Lenihan, Vice President of Program at ASBA.
The underlying mission of the GO program is to provide justice-impacted individuals with skills and resources to achieve their personal, professional, and entrepreneurial aspirations. Through the GO program, ASBA is striving to make a sustainable, long-term impact by strengthening Arizona’s economy, increasing employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, and reducing stigma around the justice-impacted community.
