![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/prisoners-undergo-dragons-den-contest-to-secure-funding-for-start-up-businesses/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/TELEMMGLPICT000197959241_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQf0Rf_Wk3V23H2268P_XkPxc.jpeg&description=Prisoners are to undergo a Dragon's Den-style contest to secure funding for start-up business ideas when they leave jail. HMP Thorn Cross, an open prison in Warrington, will trial the new approach on Wednesday in which three prisoners will pitch their business plans to a panel of "dragons" comprising local entrepreneurs, ex-offenders who set up their own companies, and members of the public. They will vote for what they regard as the best proposal, earning the winner a £500 grant and future support from local business experts to advise and provide services such as website development, marketing and training. The scheme could be rolled out nationally to help boost the job prospects of offenders, following research that shows that those in employment after leaving prison are up to nine percentage points less likely to reoffend. The prisoners' proposals include a graphic design consultancy, a property refurbishment and construction business, and personal health and fitness company. The winner will be presented with their grant by Damian Hinds, the prisons minister. 'Getting ex-prisoners into work cuts reoffending' Commenting on the contest, Mr Hinds said: "Getting ex-prisoners into work cuts reoffending and makes our streets safer. "Entrepreneurship drives our economy and can provide a promising path for those who are ready to turn their lives around. "It is heartening to see prisoners demonstrate the skills needed to succeed in business and life." It is the culmination of a 12-week course run by the community interest company Entrepreneurs Unlocked, which aims to give prisoners an insight into the realities of running a business. Sessions included training in finance, marketing, sales planning and developing a product or service. David Morgan, the founder and director of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, said the three competitors would get a chance to network and build contacts among the "dragons". 'Our mission is to change people's lives' "Our mission is to change people's){kind=link}
Winner of the trial at HMP Thorn Cross will earn a £500 grant and support from local experts for their business ideas when they leave jail
Prisoners are to undergo a Dragon’s Den-style contest to secure funding for start-up business ideas when they leave jail.
HMP Thorn Cross, an open prison in Warrington, will trial the new approach on Wednesday in which three prisoners will pitch their business plans to a panel of “dragons” comprising local entrepreneurs, ex-offenders who set up their own companies, and members of the public.
They will vote for what they regard as the best proposal, earning the winner a £500 grant and future support from local business experts to advise and provide services such as website development, marketing and training.
The scheme could be rolled out nationally to help boost the job prospects of offenders, following research that shows that those in employment after leaving prison are up to nine percentage points less likely to reoffend.