What resources are you utilizing to support you on your entrepreneurship journey?

In this episode, we explore how organizations can play a transformative role in supporting entrepreneurship for individuals reentering society after incarceration. Our guest is the St. Louis County Library, home to the innovative Small Business Launchpad program—an initiative specifically designed to empower formerly incarcerated individuals with the tools, knowledge, and resources to start and grow their own businesses.

We discuss the unique challenges justice-impacted entrepreneurs face, the importance of equitable access to information and mentorship, and how libraries can serve as unexpected but powerful hubs for economic opportunity and social reintegration. Tune in to hear real insights into how communities can invest in second chances and support sustainable pathways to success.

Interested in learning more about St Louis County Library:

St. Louis County Library to launch business program for formerly incarcerated people

St. Louis County Library program to offer formerly incarcerated people business skills

Former incarcerated have a chance at entrepreneurship – Small Business Launchpad

Interested in applying for the Small Business Launch Pad Program?

Small Business Launchpad Program Application

Want to take the next step towards business ownership?

GEO Reentry Connect Start a Business

10 Tips for Starting a Business After Prison

Connect with More Life: The Reentry Podcast:

Follow Us On Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast

Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Share Your Ideas

Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your entrepreneurial journey? Share Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Want to join our team? Become A Team Member

Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!

Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.

Produced by Tre

https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings

License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

How could entrepreneurship be your pathway to empowerment and financial freedom?

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, VanKevia Garner sits down with CJ Johnson, founder of Samsonite Painting & More, LLC. CJ Johnson shares his journey of mindset transformation, discipline, and resilience. Against all odds, CJ highlights the power of self-employment and how challenges can be turned into purpose-driven fuel to not only build a better life but also uplift others in the process.

Tune in to learn more about how CJ beat the odds and created a successful business for his family.

Want to learn more about Samsonite Painting & More, LLC?

Samsonite Painting Webpage

Youtube Page

Instagram

Facebook

Want to learn more about reform movements?

Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition

Empowering Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs

Want to take the next step towards business ownership?

GEO Reentry Connect Start a Business

10 Tips for Starting a Business After Prison

Connect with More Life: The Reentry Podcast:

Follow Us On Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast

Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Share Your Ideas

Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your entrepreneurial journey? Share Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Want to join our team? Become A Team Member

Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!

Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.

Produced by Tre

https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings

License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

What if the key to reducing recidivism isn’t found in a courtroom — but in a kitchen? And what if entrepreneurship is the most powerful form of rehabilitation?

In this powerful episode, we meet the visionary— Muhammad Abduli-Hadi — behind Down North Pizza, a Philly-based pizzeria that’s not just slanging pies — it’s changing lives. Built on a mission to combat recidivism, Down North exclusively hires formerly incarcerated individuals, offering them a shot at meaningful employment, mentorship, and economic stability.

Muhammad shares his deeply personal journey: from surviving the system to building a business rooted in justice, dignity, and second chances. With every pizza served, Down North is proving that redemption isn't just possible — it’s delicious.

Tune in to learn more about a mission-driven business that's aiming to reduce recidivism, one slice at a time.

Want to learn more about Down North Pizza?

Down North Pizza

Instagram

'We the Pizza' is part cookbook, part memoir from formerly incarcerated Philadelphians

Check out Muhammad Abdul-Hadi Book!

Amazon Link for We the Pizza: Slangin' Pies and Savin' Lives

Want to take the next step towards business ownership?

GEO Reentry Connect Start a Business

10 Tips for Starting a Business After Prison

Connect with More Life: The Reentry Podcast:

Follow Us On Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast

Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Share Your Ideas

Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your entrepreneurial journey? Share Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Want to join our team? Become A Team Member

Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!

Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.

Produced by Tre

https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings

License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF