(a) In this section, program means the Pilot Program for Small Business Development by Ex-Offenders.
(b)(1) On or before January 1, 2016, subject to the availability of funds, the Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Department of Corrections, shall establish a program to assist individuals exiting the correctional system by providing both of the following:
a. Training in how to establish small businesses.
b. Funding to establish small businesses.
(2) The program established under this section shall terminate at the end of December 31, 2020.
(3) The Department of Commerce may coordinate with other entities that offer to provide resources for the program, including funding, training, and mentoring services.
(c) The Department of Commerce shall develop an evaluation process for the program that includes a mechanism to evaluate whether the program has operated to encourage the establishment of stable small businesses by individuals who have participated in the program.
(d) In consultation with the Department of Corrections, the Department of Commerce shall select individuals to participate in the program who:
(1) Have recently exited the correctional system.
(2) Have identified an interest or a skill set that indicates a likelihood of successful implementation of the business plan proposed by the individual.
(e) An individual selected to participate in the program shall receive training and mentoring in the development of a business plan.
(f) The Department of Commerce shall do both of the following:
(1) Partner an individual participating in the program with a mentor who will guide the individual over a three-year period following the implementation of the individual's business plan.
(2) Assist the individual in obtaining financing for the individual's small business through the Alabama Small Business Incubator Act, Sections 41-23-60 to 41-23-66, inclusive, or through other sources.
(g) On or before February 1, 2017, the Department of Commerce shall report to the Legislature the effectiveness of the Pilot Program established under this section in assisting individuals who have been recently released from the correctional system in establishing successful, stable small businesses.
(h) This section shall take effect July 1, 2015. It shall remain effective for a period of five years and six months. At the end of December 31, 2020, with no further action required by the Legislature, this section shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.
Copyright ©2024 LegalFix. All rights reserved. LegalFix is not a law firm, is not licensed to practice law, and does not provide legal advice, services, or representation. The information on this website is an overview of the legal plans you can purchase—or that may be provided by your employer as an employee benefit or by your credit union or other membership group as a membership benefit.
LegalFix provides its members with easy access to affordable legal services through a network of independent law firms. LegalFix, its corporate entity, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors do not provide legal advice, services, or representation—directly or indirectly.
The articles and information on the site are not legal advice and should not be relied upon—they are for information purposes only. You should become a LegalFix member to get legal services from one of our network law firms.
You should not disclose confidential or potentially incriminating information to LegalFix—you should only communicate such information to your network law firm.
The benefits and legal services described in the LegalFix legal plans are not always available in all states or with all plans. See the legal plan Benefit Overview and the more comprehensive legal plan contract during checkout for coverage details in your state.
Use of this website, the purchase of legal plans, and access to the LegalFix networks of law firms are subject to the LegalFix Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.