The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA), in collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR), and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), is proud to announce the launch of the Small Business Incubator program at the Arizona State Prison – Phoenix West Second Chance Center. This new initiative aims to equip currently and formerly incarcerated individuals with vital resources, training, and ongoing support to pursue entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment and sustainable success.
The Small Business Incubator program will expand the comprehensive services offered at Arizona’s Second Chance Centers by introducing entrepreneurial training, giving participants an alternative route to financial independence. For over seven years, the ADCRR and DES Second Chance Centers have supported incarcerated individuals in preparing for successful community reintegration. ASBA’s new Small Business Incubator program enhances these efforts, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to explore self-employment and develop small businesses.
“For many formerly incarcerated individuals, traditional employment opportunities come with barriers. Entrepreneurship offers a viable path where individuals can use their unique skills and talents to build independent futures,” said Emma Piazza, Senior Vice President of Programs at ASBA. “With the Small Business Incubator program, we are excited empower system-impacted individuals to contribute positively to their communities and achieve financial self-sufficiency.”
“We’re excited to work with ASBA and our state partners to launch this program to support individuals in their entrepreneurship journey,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The Small Business Incubator Program will offer training and opportunity to help system-impacted individuals get back on their feet. We’re grateful to our partners including ASBA, Governor Hobbs, and the Arizona Legislature.”
The Small Business Incubator program is supported by a $500,000 appropriation in Arizona’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
“We are proud and excited about the opportunity this partnership provides to the incarcerated population at Phoenix West. The program enhances employment skills and builds entrepreneurial knowledge. We look forward to expanding it to additional locations,” said ADCRR Director Ryan Thornell.
The program’s first session started on November 18th at Phoenix West, with plans to expand to Arizona State Prison Complex – Perryville and Tucson Second Chance Centers in 2025. Through workshops, resources, and post-release support, ASBA and its partners aim to help system-impacted individuals unlock new pathways to economic stability and community success.
