RALEIGH, NC, March 15, 2021 – Inmates to Entrepreneurs, a national nonprofit that teaches formerly incarcerated individuals how to start and grow their own businesses, announced today that former U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner will give a commencement address to the most recent graduates of the organization’s courses. The graduation will be held virtually, via Zoom, on Tuesday, March 16th at 7 p.m. ET.
The course, which was open to individuals with criminal backgrounds who are interested in entrepreneurship, was provided free of charge by the nonprofit.
“It is my honor to have the chance to be among the first to address this latest graduating class of Inmates to Entrepreneurs,” stated Anthony Weiner, CEO of IceStone and former U.S. Congressman. “I am looking forward to greeting another group of exceptional people who have benefited from this remarkable program.”
Brian Hamilton founded Inmates to Entrepreneurs in 1992 to help provide a path to financial stability and success, for a population whose employment options are significantly limited after reentering society. As a result of these limitations, 60%-75% of ex-offenders remain unemployed a year after reentering society, one of the leading factors behind the United States’ staggering recidivism rate. The primary goal of the organization is to help reduce this recidivism rate, through training a new generation of entrepreneurs.
“We are excited to have Anthony Weiner speak to our most recent graduates,” said Inmates to Entrepreneurs Founder Brian Hamilton. “Weiner’s efforts to hire formerly incarcerated individuals through his current role as CEO of IceStone are commendable, and we think our graduates will find hope and inspiration in the former congressman’s words.”
Inmates to Entrepreneurs courses have been made available to over one million people, from those who are currently incarcerated to those who are seeking a second chance after incarceration. From the 10,000 individuals who have taken Inmates to Entrepreneurs courses, around 20-30% have started businesses that include landscaping, event planning, catering, cleaning services and more.
Members of the media are invited to attend the first half of the graduation to listen to speeches given by Anthony Weiner, Inmates to Entrepreneurs Founder Brian Hamilton and several graduates. Please email media@brianhamilton.org if you are interested in attending the graduation on Tuesday, March 16th at 7 p.m. ET; details on attending virtually available upon request.
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About the Brian Hamilton Foundation
The Brian Hamilton Foundation’s mission is to open the door to entrepreneurship for all Americans by sharing the resources necessary to start, run and grow successful businesses. By doing so, the organization works to remove the socioeconomic barriers to freedom and self-determination. To learn more, visit https://brianhamilton.org
About Inmates to Entrepreneurs
Inmates to Entrepreneurs, a sister organization to the Brian Hamilton Foundation, assists people with criminal backgrounds in starting their own businesses by providing resources and mentorship. The organization’s goal is to reduce the rate of recidivism in the United States by providing an alternative path to financial stability and success. To learn more, visit https://inmatestoentrepreneurs.org/
