A Pathway from Prison to Purpose
Entrepreneurship requires resilience, vision, and the ability to adapt. These are qualities that many incarcerated individuals have already developed through personal adversity. At PEP, we help refine those traits into tools for business leadership.
Our process guides participants step by step, from incarceration to successful reentry, through education, mentorship, and community.
Step 1: Selection and Screening
Each participant begins their PEP journey by applying to the program through a rigorous selection process. Admission is not based on prior business knowledge, but on character, attitude, and willingness to change.
Candidates are evaluated for leadership potential, personal accountability, and a strong desire to pursue a different path. Because space is limited, only the most committed applicants are accepted.
Step 2: Leadership Academy
Before diving into business concepts, participants complete Leadership Academy. This intensive phase builds the personal foundation needed for long-term success.
The curriculum focuses on values such as discipline, integrity, personal responsibility, and servant leadership. Participants are expected to live out these principles inside the unit, setting a tone of respect and support throughout the community.
Step 3: Business Education and Pitch Preparation
Once Leadership Academy is complete, participants move into a rigorous, hands-on business education program. The curriculum mirrors what one might find in an MBA classroom, tailored to fit the unique environment inside a correctional facility.
Topics include:
- Marketing and branding
- Financial statements and cash flow
- Competitor analysis
- Operational planning
- Sales strategy and customer relationships
Throughout this phase, participants begin developing their own business plans and practice delivering professional pitches.
Step 4: Business Plan Competition
At the end of the business curriculum, each participant presents their finalized plan at the Business Plan Competition. This is a live event attended by business professionals, executives, and PEP volunteers, who provide real-time feedback and encouragement.
This experience helps participants strengthen their communication skills, refine their ideas, and experience the intensity of professional business presentation.
Step 5: Certification and Graduation
Upon successful completion of the in-prison program, graduates receive a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. This certification reflects their effort, education, and transformation.
Graduation is a significant milestone. It represents not just academic progress, but a renewed commitment to integrity, accountability, and future impact.
Step 6: Reentry and Business Launch Support
PEP’s commitment to each graduate continues after release. Reentry services include transitional housing, employment support, and one-on-one coaching for those launching businesses.
Alumni who choose to pursue entrepreneurship receive:
- Guidance on business licensing and operations
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs
- Access to startup resources, networking events, and occasional funding opportunities
To date, PEP graduates have launched over 500 businesses across Texas and beyond, many of which have gone on to employ other program alumni.
From Incarceration to Innovation
PEP’s model does more than teach business skills. It fosters transformation. Through this structured process, men leave prison with the tools, confidence, and support they need to succeed—not just in business, but in life.
