Welcome to ReStartup Academy
|
ReStartup Academy is an independently run, fiscally sponsored chapter of Defy Ventures, a 501c3 prison reentry program on a mission to transform our criminal justice system by unlocking untapped business and human potential behind prison walls and beyond. We do that through training carefully selected inmates and formally incarcerated individuals, whom we call Entrepreneurs In Training (EITs), to be valuable employees, inspired entrepreneurs, and passionate change agents.
Our mission is to turn prisons into incubators for entrepreneurship. From the US state and federal prisons to the mental prisons of limiting beliefs and circumstances, ReStartup Academy aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs through purpose-centered, team-driven, transformative curriculum that transcends technology, geography, and the status quo. Inside and outside the prison walls we provide highly motivated entrepreneurs with the training, knowledge and practice needed to start, scale, and manage new businesses. Currently four interactive courses integrate research based conceptual models and tools with hands-on practical experience in the form of historical and live cases, idea creation, and real business plan competitions. |
Rebuilding LivesStartups live or die on the quality of the team. ReStartup Academy graduates learn how to collaborate, evaluate, & build startup teams.
Reframing ObstaclesIn every hardship there is an opportunity. ReStartup Academy empowers graduates to harness their hustle into a viable startup.
|
Reviving CommunitiesCriminals hurt communities. ReStartup Academy graduates become role models who enrich their communities through entrepreneurship.
Reducing Recidivism3 of 4 prisoners are back in prison in 5yrs. ReStartup Academy gives graduates a legal way to success as owners & employees of startups.
|
ARMED OR EQUIPPED?Watch ReStartup Academy Co-Founder, Spencer O. share his vision of transformation behind bars at the 2013 TEDxMCC.
|
