Grants for felons in Wisconsin

Can a felon own a business in Wisconsin? 

Yes, a felon can own a business in Wisconsin. There are no laws in Wisconsin that prevent individuals with felony convictions from starting or owning a business. However, there are a few considerations felons should keep in mind:

1. Business Licensing: While felons can generally own a business, some industries require special licenses (e.g., healthcare, finance, alcohol sales), and a felony conviction may affect eligibility for those licenses. Each licensing board reviews applications individually, and the nature of the conviction will play a role in their decision.
2. Financing and Credit: Securing business loans or credit can be more challenging for felons due to potential issues with credit history or financial standing. However, alternative financing options such as small business grants or microloans may be available, especially from organizations that support reentry or entrepreneurship for individuals with criminal records.
3. Reentry Support Programs: Wisconsin has organizations, such as Project Return and JustDane, that help individuals with criminal records reintegrate into society. These organizations may offer support, guidance, and resources for felons interested in starting their own businesses.

What are the Small Business Grants for Felons in Wisconsin? 

In Wisconsin, several small business grants and financial assistance programs are available to felons seeking to start or grow their businesses:

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

WEDC offers a variety of grants and loan programs to support small businesses in Wisconsin. While not specifically for felons, these grants may be available to entrepreneurs who meet the program criteria, including those with criminal records.

Kiva Microloans

Kiva provides small business loans, often with low-interest rates, to entrepreneurs who may have difficulty obtaining traditional financing. While not specific to Wisconsin or felons, Kiva’s focus on underserved populations makes it a good option for ex-felons.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Through the WIOA, Wisconsin offers funding and support for workforce training and entrepreneurship. Ex-felons can access business training and funding to support entrepreneurial endeavors through local workforce development offices.

Microenterprise Grants and Loans

Some local organizations in Wisconsin, such as WWBIC (Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation), offer grants and loans to underserved entrepreneurs, including felons, to help start or grow small businesses. WWBIC provides resources, mentorship, and financial assistance to qualified applicants.

Second Chance Act Grants

While not a business grant specifically, this federal program offers funding to state and local governments to help reentry initiatives for felons. Some of these initiatives may include entrepreneurial training and support for felons looking to start businesses in Wisconsin.

What are the Educational Grants for Felons in Wisconsin? 

Several educational grants are available for felons in Wisconsin, providing financial support for continuing education and vocational training. Here are some key options:

1. Federal Pell Grants: Felons in Wisconsin can apply for federal Pell Grants, which provide financial assistance for low-income students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Most felons are eligible unless convicted of specific drug offenses or those who are currently incarcerated. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This need-based federal grant is available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, including felons. Eligible students attending participating institutions in Wisconsin can apply for additional financial aid to cover education costs.
3. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants: Wisconsin offers WIOA grants through the state’s Department of Workforce Development, which provides funding for workforce training, vocational education, and career services. Felons can access these grants to gain marketable skills and certifications in high-demand fields.
4. Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Grants: Many technical colleges in Wisconsin offer grants and scholarships to students, including felons. These grants help cover tuition costs for vocational and technical training programs, which can lead to employment opportunities in skilled trades.
5. Second Chance Pell Program: This program provides access to Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals, including those in Wisconsin, allowing them to pursue postsecondary education while in prison, to improve their employability upon release.

How can felons get assistance with paying their electric bills in Wisconsin? 

Felons in Wisconsin can get assistance with paying their electric bills through several programs designed for low-income and financially struggling individuals:

1. Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP): This program provides help with heating and electric bills for low-income households, including felons. It is part of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and offers one-time payments to assist with utility costs. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and energy costs.
2. Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund (KWWF): This nonprofit offers energy assistance for individuals facing financial hardship, including felons. The program helps prevent disconnection of energy services and provides emergency assistance for heating and electric bills.
3. Energy Assistance Programs from Utility Companies: Many utility companies in Wisconsin, such as We Energies and Alliant Energy, offer payment plans, budget billing, and assistance programs for customers who are struggling to pay their electric bills. Felons can contact their utility provider to explore available options, such as deferred payment agreements.
4. Nonprofit Organizations: Local nonprofits like The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul provide emergency financial assistance for utility bills. These organizations often help individuals, including felons, who are at risk of having their electricity disconnected.
5. Local Community Action Agencies: These agencies offer various assistance programs, including help with paying utility bills. Felons can contact their local community action agency for resources and guidance on energy assistance programs.

What are the Low Income Financial Assistance Programs for Felons in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, felons can access several low-income financial assistance programs designed to help them meet basic needs and rebuild their lives. Here are some key programs:

Wisconsin Works (W-2)

This is the state’s version of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), providing cash assistance, job training, and employment services to low-income individuals, including felons. Felons who are parents or caretakers of children may be eligible for financial support through this program.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – FoodShare Wisconsin

FoodShare offers food assistance to low-income individuals, including felons. Eligible individuals receive an electronic benefits card to purchase food at authorized retailers. This program helps felons meet basic nutritional needs.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Known as the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), this program helps felons pay for heating and electricity costs. It provides a one-time payment to eligible households based on income, family size, and energy costs.

Housing Assistance and Section 8 Vouchers

Wisconsin’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income individuals, including felons, cover part of their rent. Felons can apply through their local Public Housing Authority. While certain felonies may impact eligibility, many felons still qualify.

BadgerCare Plus

Wisconsin’s Medicaid program provides healthcare coverage for low-income residents, including felons. It covers essential medical services like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions for those who meet the income requirements.

Emergency Assistance Program

This program provides short-term financial assistance to low-income families facing emergencies, such as housing crises or utility shutoffs. Felons who meet the eligibility requirements can access this temporary support.