Returning Citizens Entrepreneur Training Center

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

Established by the Oakland County (MI) Treasurer’s Office in 2019, the Returning Citizens Entrepreneur Training Center (RE-CET) is an entrepreneurial development program designed to transition returning citizens from incarceration into financial empowerment through the rewards of self-employment. Returning citizens often face barriers to finding employment, credit, and housing which imperil their financial well-being and increase the likelihood of recidivism. RE-CET empowers returning citizens to take control of their finances by turning their skills and passions into income-producing business ventures. Working with statewide organizations dedicated to assisting the ex-offender population, RE-CET counselors serve various roles from friend, adviser, to advocate for returning citizens ready to contribute to society by opening businesses. The program pairs county-employed financial counselors with returning citizens to plan and launch new businesses. Counseling sessions range from personal financial advice—including household budgeting, building credit, and opening bank accounts—to professional advice—including money management skills, document review, marketing strategies, and negotiating leases and contracts. Personal and legal frustrations are resolved through friendly listening sessions designed to focus the entrepreneur’s energy towards new business opportunities. Early casework has resulted in multiple new businesses, new jobs, a decline in homelessness, and a sense of ownership and accomplishment from a group of dedicated innovators.