Diane Shaheen ⋅ Lee, MA Private Estate ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi, check out : www.doleta.gov. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. It talks about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and (WOTC) Handbook, it does have stipulations in the felony category. A.) Convicted of a felony B.) Has a hiring date that is not more than 1 year after the conviction or release date from prison.

Have a business plan, research liability insurance and SCORE Association has no cost to low cost classes on starting a new business. Free business counseling. Good luck, you know our society needs more people thinking about our disenfranchised citizens. Diane

Steven Heugel ⋅ Elyria, OH Ohio Department of Job & Family Services ⋅ 16 years experience

Hi Paul: That's a great idea, I've had It myself. obviously resources ($$$) are the name of the game. There's so many staffing agencies out there and more of them are requiring felons to be out of prison for at least 7 years before they'll even look at them...I've been helping exoffenders find work for close to 10 years, in some ways it's gotten better, but lately with the staffing agency policies changing to the above, it's gotten much worse for folks..even misdemeanors are holding them back now...God Speed. do you have a job now? Steven

Sergio Boniche ⋅ White Plains, NY IBM ⋅ 27 years experience

Hi Paul, my brother in law started an organization that focuses on finding employment for high risk adults. I'm sure if you reach out to them they should be able to provide some guidance on setting up your staffing agency. . Here is their link: http://betterfuturesenterprises.com

Paul Slaght ⋅ Junction City, KS U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 16 years served

So far all I have is the idea and I am trying to gauge what others think. I can come up with a business plan, but I have not done too much research yet.

Kristin Garcia ⋅ Norman, OK The University of Oklahoma, Tom Love Innovation Hub ⋅ 15 years experience

Paul, I'm glad you're thinking outside the box. Many Veterans make great entrepreneurs and business owners, they just need the support and guidance that might not be found in their towns. I also wanted to share with you that Stanford has an entrepreneur summer program for Veterans to give a crash course in business development. I encourage you to check it out and let me know if I can help you with your application. The deadline is 3 Mar 2016.
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/stanford-ignite/campus/post-9-11-veterans

Reid Lohr ⋅ Greenville, SC The EDI Group ⋅ 25 years experience

Paul,
I think what you are trying to do is a great idea and so often when faced with similar barriers starting your own business is the best way to go. Of course, starting ones own business is much tougher than many folks know/ or actually realize until they have tried it. How deep have you looked into this concept? Business plan, potential clients, start-up capital, etc.
reid

Paul Slaght ⋅ Junction City, KS U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 16 years served

Steven,
I have held the same job since I got out. I am a tree trimmer. The job is taking s toll on my body; I will be 50 in 3 weeks and I am looking for a career change. It looks like the best bet is trying to open my own business but I don't know what.