Defy Ventures

🌟 Exciting News for Businesses and Justice-Impacted Individuals! 🌟

The Illinois' Small Business Advocacy Council has announced increased tax credits to support the hiring of formerly incarcerated individuals. This initiative not only provides significant financial incentives for businesses but also creates invaluable opportunities for those looking to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to our communities.

By supporting justice-impacted individuals, we can reduce recidivism, foster diverse and inclusive workplaces, and strengthen our economy. Let's spread the word and make a real impact!

🔗 Read more about this fantastic initiative here:

https://www.smallbusinessadvocacycouncil.org/2024/07/01/tax-credit-for-formerly-incarcerated-individuals/

Larger Tax Credits for Hiring Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Illinois Policymakers Take Bold Action to Support Businesses and Foster Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Press Release SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE

“It was great seeing the impact our community leaders had on the (entrepreneur trainees), investing their knowledge and support and spreading a message of hope,” says Community Resources Manager Harrison Glin from the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco. Our Defy SoCal team hosted their 1st coaching day of our most recent cohort in Norco!

Read more about our work at at the link in bio 👆

“It was great seeing the impact our community leaders had on the (entrepreneur trainees), investing their knowledge and support and spreading a message of hope.” - Community Resources Manager Harrison Glin from CA Dept of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Read more about our work below 👇

CRC hosts first Defy Ventures coaching day - Inside CDCR The California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco hosted their first Defy Ventures Coaching Day for entrepreneurs-in-training.

🗞️ Defy in the News 🗞️

"The formerly incarcerated turn to entrepreneurship as an alternative to low wages and a lack of opportunity. The stigma and the discrimination of being a “felon” is real."

Read this op-ed from a SoCal volunteer sharing their experience with Entrepreneurs in Training on The San Diego Union-Tribune

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2024-05-20/life-after-prison-helping-inmates-get-a-fresh-start-as-entrepreneurs

Life after prison: Helping inmates get a fresh start as entrepreneurs One of the strongest themes from these entrepreneurs is a desire to hire others like themselves to give a chance to the next inmate who gets out.

🌟 Join Defy Illinois for the final session of CEO Action for Racial Equity’s 2024 Education Series🌟

The Education Series, titled “Five Ways to Engage in Fair Chance Hiring!” will focus on procurement strategies and how companies can support fair chances for entrepreneurs with criminal records.

🕒 When? May 23, 2024, from 1:30pm – 2:30pm EST
🎤 Who?
* Defy Alumni Cassandra Cean-Owens and Raymond Spencer, successful business owners who started their ventures post-incarceration.
* Executive Director of Defy Ventures Illinois Melissa O’Dell

For any questions, contact [email protected]

If you can’t make it, you can dive deeper with the “Behind the Pages” podcast, where these Defy alumni share their inspiring stories of perseverance and second chances. This podcast highlights the employment journeys of formerly incarcerated individuals, aiming to debunk myths and promote inclusive hiring practices.

👉 Listen to their stories here: https://ceoactionracialequity.com/behind-the-pages/

🌟 Attention all changemakers! 🌟

Ready to start making a difference and help others to unlock their potential? Join us at our upcoming Kickoff event at Pontiac in Illinois! 💼✨

As we gear up for the upcoming cohort kickoff, we're on the lookout for dedicated volunteers to join our inspiring Illinois community.

What to expect:
✅ Be a part of our kickoff event, where you'll meet new EITs (Entrepreneurs in Training), engage with Defy staff, and immerse yourself in our vibrant culture.
✅ Inspire EITs to join CEO YNL and embark on their journey of growth and transformation with Defy.
✅ Witness firsthand the power of second chances and the impact of our work.

If you're ready to be a catalyst for change and be part of something truly meaningful, sign up by May 10th 👉

https://secure.everyaction.com/xc4PHmf59kaOvM_8QX8FlQ2

Together, let's defy the odds and build a better future. 💪

🌟 Exciting News from DEFY! 🌟

We're thrilled to share an inspiring article highlighting the incredible achievements of Defy's alumni and showcasing our partnership with Checkr, Inc. who have helped us advance our fair chance hiring for people with incarceration histories 🙌

READ MORE: https://calmatters.org/economy/2024/04/formerly-incarcerated/

How some programs help with post-prison life: ‘I’m signing checks. This is crazy.’ Anti-recidivism nonprofit Defy Ventures helps formerly incarcerated people start businesses, get tech jobs.

So exciting to have Center for Changing Lives join us at one of our incredible business coaching nights with our Defy Illinois chapter!

At CCL, we believe everyone has the unique poder to reach their entrepreneurial dreams!🙌🏽
📍Last week, on April 23rd, our Small Business Coach and Team Lead Jeremy, (aka "Jubilant Jeremy, as seen in the screenshot below) was part of Defy Ventures' Deep Dive Business Coaching Night! This is a virtual space for currently/formerly incarcerated Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) to connect with coaches and resources to work on their business ideas.🤩
💥Defy, thank you for including us in this awesome space!💥

Even as April draws to a close, we're still celebrating , spotlighting the transformative power of redemption for those formerly and currently incarcerated.

As advocates for second chances year-round, we invite you to stand with us this month in making a real difference for individuals seeking a fresh start 💫 Support Defy’s reentry programs with a monthly donation and be part of the journey towards brighter futures! 🌱

Click the link to make a donation and become Second Chance Sustainer 🧡 https://bit.ly/DonateDefy

Did you know our Defy SoCal chapter can potentially be one of the recipients of the LA2050 Grants Challenge?

For this year's challenge, the top-voted issues will lead to community organizations receiving funding. The challenge is on, so make your voice count today!

Voting takes two minutes and helps distribute $1 million in grants to organizations like ours across Los Angeles County.

Vote here: https://la2050.org/vote?defy

📣 Defy community! Are you in the Chicago/IL area?

Want to support 2nd chances for formerly and currently incarcerated folks?

Come out to the ✨ iconic ✨Billy Goat Tavern this April 19th for a FUNdraiser!

Register at https://bit.ly/DefyVenturesIllinois

🌟 Meet Diandra!🌟

From a journey of self-reflection to conquering her dreams, Diandra’s story is one of resilience and empowerment.

🌱 Diandra “Glizzy” is an EIT Defy Alum who went on a journey of self-reflection while enrolled in the CEO of Your New Life program throughout 2023.

She started with a goal to learn business skills that would help her achieve her goals of becoming a community advocate, supporting economic development and making a difference. 🌊 At first, Diandra was unwilling to complete the program, realizing that the program went deeper than just learning business skills and she needed to look inside herself. She didn’t like what she saw.

After much soul-searching and with the support of her friends and classmates, Diandra completed Defy's program. She learned to believe in herself and her capacity to achieve so much more. Shortly after, Diandra was accepted into Northwestern University! 🏛️

🗝️ Diandra says, “We learned we could become more than what people said we couldn’t be. We could ‘Defy the Odds’ […]Sometimes that’s all we need: for someone to say, we’re more than just a state number. We’re people with goals and dreams.”

Join us in celebrating Defy EIT Minerva's impactful journey! 🎉

Meet Minerva! Minerva, founder of Ya Basta Jewelry company, recently graduated from our Business Accelerator program 🎓!

With a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and a concentration in Ethnic Studies, Minerva beautifully intertwines her Mexican heritage and cultural pride into her writings, poetry, and jewelry art. 📚 At Ya Basta, she's not just crafting jewelry; she's using it as a powerful tool for political and social support. Her dedication to elevating cultural pride shines through every piece, sending a powerful message: Ya Basta or “Enough is Enough." 💪💎

Are you based in Illinois, and love podcasts & stories of resilience and drive? Sign up for this special podcast listening event happening on March 5th!

Change Agents The Podcast partnered with Defy’s Illinois chapter and Defy IL Advisory Board Member Carl Williams to bring you an episode about Defy’s impact as well as Carl’s personal reentry and entrepreneurship story. The episode highlights the systemic challenges he (and others like him) face upon reentry into society and how unlocking his entrepreneurial potential led him to make his dream a reality. We can’t wait for you to listen with us!

Location:
1841 N Laramie Ave, Chicago, IL 60639

Time:
5-7PM CST

Sign up today and invite a friend!
https://bit.ly/3HZLSlF

💪🌱 For Claudius, entrepreneurship is more than a career — it's a mission!
Last September, Claudius graduated from Defy’sBusiness Accelerator program, propelling his company to new heights! 🚀 Using cutting-edge AI, Gambix crafts stunning websites that optimize in real-time. 🌐

Claudius also won the 6th Annual Black Blockchain Summit Pitch Contest at Howard University in Washington, DC. 🏆🎉 He attributes much of his success to Defy and is gearing up to pitch to our Investment Committee!

💡 But that's not all! Beyond business, Claudius serves as a Program Manager at 's gBeta Accelerator, empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs.🌍

🌟 Exciting News from Defy Alumni! 🌟

Defy alumni Coss Marte’s entrepreneurial journey after prison is being featured in the Sundance documentary film “Conbody vs Everybody”! 🎬✨

Join us in celebrating his continued dedication, passion, and success in defying the odds!

https://www.moviemaker.com/conbody-coss-marte-debra-granik/

In Conbody vs Everybody, Coss Marte Turns Lives Around With a Prison Workout Conbody founder Coss Marte was in solitary when he developed a fitness program in solitary confinement. It's changing lives.

With much gratitude 🙌 and drive in our hearts for a world of second chances, we say goodbye to another year and cheer on our Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in their journeys ahead in 2024! With over 1,000 EITs served, we want to give a special shout out to our corporate partners (LegalZoom & Dr. Bronner's) for fueling our vision and supporting our work.

Who’s ready to join us in 2024? Together, let’s amplify the impact of reentry programs, shift mindsets about incarcerated people, and cultivate EITs’ entrepreneurial potential! 💪

Make a contribution today:

Defy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and your donation to us is tax deductible in the United States.

🌟 3rd Week of Why-athon! 🌟 Have you ever wondered WHY Defy volunteers are the heartbeat of positive change, giving their time and talents again and again?

Alive Adriana, one of our most dedicated Defy volunteers, shares her experience and inspiration that fuel her commitment to our community of Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs):

“It's been a privilege to be part of Defy's transformative programs since 2016. Over the years, the individuals I've met through Defy have taught me invaluable lessons about hope, strength, and love. Witnessing their resilience in the face of challenges has been a source of inspiration and has deepened my understanding of the human spirit.”

To create positive change through Why-athon, click bit.ly/support-defy-23

🔔Why-athon is here! Discover WHY EITs believe in Defy!

Despite strides, societal barriers persist for currently and formerly incarcerated people as they try to make a new start. Defy is on a mission to break these barriers and help people with criminal histories have their best shot at a second chance.

EIT Michael, who recently completed our in-prison CEO of Your New Life program, shares his profound experience with Defy:

“I can sit here and tell you how much Defy has taught me to live a successful life. The knowledge and insight I’ve gained from staff, volunteers, and my peers is truly invaluable. But the most important thing that I’ve learned from Defy is how to simply become a better person.”

🚀 Join the Mission: Support More EITs in 2024!

Will you join us in expanding our impact next year? Help Defy serve more EITs through transformative programs with a generous contribution.

Click to learn more bit.ly/support-defy-23

🌟Unlock Second Chances with Defy!

At Defy, we believe in second chances because we’ve witnessed the amazing journey of redemption, justice, and community-driven change. Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) show us daily that second chances offer them a future that is not just defined by their worst mistake in life, but rather their potential to thrive.

👉 Join the Movement
If you’ve ever experienced the life-changing transformation of a second chance, would you consider supporting second chances for others with a gift to Defy?

🧡 Give the Gift of Transformation
DONATE at https://bit.ly/support-defy-23
Become a crucial part of the journey toward redemption and change!

Whatever your reason, we THANK YOU for partnering with us in this work! Your support means that together, we

Calling all Illinois volunteers! Please join us on Wednesday, December 6, for the Pontiac Correctional Center Business Coaching Day! Sign up here: https://secure.everyaction.com/FGO-LnzaSEyfTqbLNYEdJA2.

What's it all about? At Defy business coaching events, volunteers support the talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) who are progressing through Defy’s CEO of Your New Life program, developing employment readiness skills and taking the first steps in their entrepreneurial journeys. Volunteers provide one-on-one coaching on EITs’ resumes and personal statements and serve as early sounding boards for the business concepts that EITs are beginning to develop. In addition to career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include fun icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities, which encourage conversations and connections that enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

We're so proud of this Defy cohort at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) and are grateful to the Drucker School of Management at Claremont University for their partnership!

Our auction is halfway over! Regardless of your location, our auction has something you'll enjoy. Live in a Defy chapter region? We've got local experiences for you to explore. Live elsewhere? We've got gift cards and items that ship to you. There's something for everyone! 🙌

Check it out (bit.ly/defy2023auction) and and bid on great items like: gift cards for mouth-watering meals in NYC, a mini golf party for 12 in Chicago, tickets to the Seattle Aquarium, professional boxing classes in Oakland, dine with a view in SoCal, and a gift card to sneakerhead paradise (and Defy partner) Bottom Bunk). 👀

A big thank you to our auction event sponsors, Dr. Bronner's and The Kadens Family Foundation! We're grateful to our generous community that helps make Defy’s transformative programs possible! 🎉

Our auction features some great items from Defy Entrepreneur in Training (EIT) businesses! Check out our auction (https://defyventures.betterworld.org/auctions/defy-ventures-2023-silent-auction -eits) and bid on virtual cooking experiences and classes from That Meatball Collective and and custom clothing from ! Thank you for supporting second chances. 🙌

🎉 It’s official—the Defy auction is live! 🎉

All of the items in our auction—from custom cooking experiences and fine dining to vacation stays and sports tickets—support second chances by funding Defy’s transformative programs for Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). 🙌

So what are you waiting for? Get in there and bid early and often! bit.ly/defy2023auction 👈

Bidding ends Tuesday, October 10. You'll be sure to find a perfect gift for friends, family, or yourself among the 60+ items we have listed. Stay tuned throughout the week for a showcase of the exciting and desirable items that suit a range of tastes and budgets. ✅

Thank you for being a part of Defy’s generous community championing second chances!

We are one week away from "An Evening to Defy the Odds" on October 5 in New York City! Don't miss out on joining us for a night of community building and networking with Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) and volunteers.

Buy your tickets at the link in our bio. 🎟️ 👆

Not only will there be great company, but there will also be delicious food and desserts! Two of our graduates, Sharon Richardson () and Antwoin "Chef Fresh" Gutierrez (), will be catering the evening. If you have had one of Chef Fresh's cupcakes before, you know they are unforgettable! 😋🧁

The evening will be a great opportunity to meet both graduates of our program and EITs that have recently joined our community over the past year. You can even bid on some of their products during our silent auction. 🙌

This year's fundraiser will also help support the relaunch and expansion of our in-prison programs, which you will have an opportunity to learn more about throughout the evening. Check out a photo from our most recent coaching event at Wallkill Correctional Facility! 👏👏

To our Chicago friends! Love Portillo’s? Love Defy? Of course you do! On 9/28/23, at the 520 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL, location of Portillo’s from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, we will get 20% back from everyone who eats at Portillo’s and shows this flyer, mentions the organization prior to checkout, or places a direct advance pickup order using the digital code PORTILLOS43. And if you're going through the drive-thru, be sure to inform the order-taker that you're supporting Defy before placing your order!

Attention Defy Illinois community! Please join us for a business coaching day at the Kewanee Life Skills Reentry Center on October 20! During this event, you'll support Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) by providing one-on-one coaching on resumes and personal statements and serve as early sounding boards for their business concepts. You’ll also participate in powerful empathy-building activities that can be transformative for both the EITs and you. 💯

Sign up by Wednesday, September 20! (Link in bio.) 👆

For our Washington friends, we've also got a graduation day coming up at Stafford Creek Corrections Center! Sign up deadline is also next Wednesday. (Link in bio.) 🙌

Defy EITs and staff are looking forward to seeing you at an event soon!

Defy Tri-State’s Fall Fundraiser, An Evening to Defy the Odds, is returning to New York City this year on October 5 from 6:30pm-9:00pm! 🎉 It will be a night full of food, fun, and storytelling. You will have the opportunity to hear from some of our Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) as they share their journeys through reentry and how they are continuing to defy the odds. 📣This event will also help support our transformational in-prison programming that has relaunched this year! 👏

Don't miss out! ⭐️ A limited number of early bird tickets for the fundraiser are available until Sunday, September 10, at 11pm EST (link to purchase tickets in bio). ⭐️ If you're interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected].

A big congrats to Defy grad for being honored at this gala tomorrow in NYC! If you’re in the area, you can purchase tickets and congratulate him in person. 👏

with Last year I had the opportunity to cater. This year I’m being honored for the “Entrepreneurship Award”!! Thank you for recognizing my grind and hustle especially through the tough times during the Pandemic up to now!🙏🏾💯

Tomorrow September 7th 2023, come join me and the other Honorees for a Gala!!🎉

Tickets Available at Bio or www.unlabelledawards.com