RE-ENTRY THROUGH INNOVATION & SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Empowering Second Chances Through Entrepreneurship
A 6-month, milestone-based digital entrepreneurship training for returning citizens, featuring real online businesses, real revenue, and real second chances.
IMPACT STATS
11,000+
Michigan residents return incarcerated each year
65%
Recidivism rate without structured support
100+
Individuals trained annually through RISE
$10,000
Micro-grant opportunity per participant
ABOUT RISE SECOND CHANCES
We Believe in Second Chances.
RISE SECOND CHANCES — Reentry through Innovation & Sustainable Entrepreneurship — is a flagship program of Alternative Sentencing & Reentry Solutions (ASRS), L3C, founded by Edward Sanders.
We bridge the gap between incarceration and economic independence. Through hands-on digital entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and strategic access to the corporate education resources, RISE SECOND CHANCES participants don't just re-enter society — they launch businesses that fuel it.
Our model is built on one belief: a criminal record should not be a life sentence to poverty.
.jpg)
WHY WE EXIST
The Problem Is Real.
Employment Barriers
Discrimination and a skills gap shut out returning citizens.
Digital Literacy Gap
Most lack basic tech skills to apply for jobs or start businesses.
Economic Instability
Without stable income, recidivism becomes easier and success harder.
Limited Opportunity
Few programs combine training, funding, and mentorship in one place.
A Proven 5-Phase Curriculum
Over 22 weeks, RISE participants move through a structured, milestone-based program, funding is released at each phase, creating real accountability and incentive.
PHASE 01
Digital & Business Foundations
4 Weeks
$1,500
PHASE 02
Product & Service Validation
6 WEEKS
$3,000
PHASE 03
Marketing & Sales Strategy
5 WEEKS
$2,500
PHASE 04
Financial & Operational Planning
4 WEEKS
$2,000
PHASE 05
Launch & Growth Strategy
3 WEEKS
$1,000
DIGITAL CURRICULUM PARTNERS
Powered by Verizon
At Zero Cost.
RISE participants benefit from Verizon's Digital Ready platform and Verizon Skill Forward initiative directly into the curriculum.
No credit checks. No hidden costs. No prior tech experience required.
Fully mobile-friendly.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Free platform for aspiring entrepreneurs
-
E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Business Credit, Website Design, Legal Essentials
-
1:1 & group coaching from business experts and marketing specialists
-
$10,000 Grant via LISC — unlocked after completing just 2 modules
-
Mobile-friendly — no laptop required
-
100% free — no credit card or banking info ever requested
Grant Tip: Complete 2 modules = eligible for rolling $10K LISC small business grants.
Verizon Skill Forward × edX
Tech career pathways for non-traditional learners
-
250+ self-paced courses & 84 professional certificate programs
-
Tracks: Data Analytics, AI, Coding, Cybersecurity, Project Management
-
No degree or tech experience required — select Spanish programming available
-
Resume templates, LinkedIn guides, networking workshops included
-
Job board featuring employers actively seeking non-traditional hires
Career Pivot: Participants can earn employer-recognized tech certificates at zero cost.
YOUR PATH THROUGH RISE
From day one, RISE removes every barrier between a citizen and a running business.
01
Create Your Free Account
Register on our Verizon platform in under 5 minutes. No credit card, no Verizon account. Removes tech anxiety barriers on day one.
02
Embed Curriculum Weekly
Verizon modules are woven into weekly RISE sessions. Not optional homework. 3 to 4 modules become interactive group experiences.
03
Unlock the $10K Grant
Complete your first few Verizon modules within weeks 1 to 3. This instantly qualifies you for the rolling $10,000 small business grant.
04
Build & Validate Your Store
Using Shopify, participants validate products, build storefronts, and run real marketing campaigns, supported by RISE mentors and Verizon coaching.
05
Launch, Scale, or Pivot
Graduate with a live revenue-generating store or pivot into a Verizon Skill Forward tech track for a career-ready certificate and job placement.
Transforming Lives & Communities.
100+
Individuals trained annually
65%
Reduction in recidivism risk
$10K
Average grant per participant
5
Phases to a validated business
22
Weeks from enrollment to launch
Partner With RISE to Create Impact.
We're seeking funders, corporate partners, reentry organizations, and community allies who share our belief in equity, justice, and entrepreneurship as a path forward.
Funders & Grantmakers
Provide micro-grants, operational funding, or sponsorship capital. Typical support: $10K to $100K+ per participant.
Corporate Partners
Align your CSR mission with workforce development. Contribute mentors, resources, or sponsored courses.
Reentry Organizations
Refer participants, co-facilitate sessions, or provide wraparound support services.
Community Champions
Host information sessions, spread awareness, or serve as mentors and advocates.