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(TRENTON, NJ – May 23, 2024) - The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) celebrated the success of 31 graduates of its New Jersey Reentry Entrepreneurial Program (NJREP) on April 23. This innovative program, offered in collaboration with Re-Entry Ventures Programs and with funding from the New Jersey Department of Corrections, equips incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge to launch their own businesses upon returning to their communities. For a period of eight weeks, participants delved into essential areas like business ethics, market research, marketing strategies, communication, sales techniques, public speaking, and securing funding.
The ceremonies at Northern State Prison and East Jersey State Prison highlighted the achievements of the graduates. Selma Morris, Director of Community Engagement and Reintegration Initiatives, opened the events, while AACCNJ Founder, President and CEO John E. Harmon Sr., IOM, delivered a powerful keynote address at both facilities. Program partners also shared remarks, and the true stars of the day – the graduates – inspired everyone with their stories and entrepreneurial dreams. For instance, Jamal Lewis, Taquan Floyd, Henry Short, and William Muhammad aspire to start businesses that will uplift previously incarcerated persons, help disadvantaged individuals, and revitalize communities.
These graduations are a continuation of AACCNJ's mission to empower people through business ownership. A new NJREP cohort is already underway at both prisons, with graduation scheduled for June. This ongoing collaboration between AACCNJ and the New Jersey Department of Corrections' Division of Programs and Reintegration is creating a brighter future for formerly incarcerated individuals by equipping them for success as entrepreneurs.
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