Mission
The Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) is a social enterprise non\-profit 501(c)(3\) organization that unites executives and inmates through entrepreneurial passion and servant leadership to transform lives, restore families and rebuild communities.
About PEP
Established in 2004, PEP is the national leader for second chance entrepreneurship and employment. PEP’s holistic approach has produced the nation’s leading results in prison rehabilitation, and has become the prototype from which other programs are formed.
According to our new data at the Association for Enterprise Opportunity(AEO), formerly incarcerated individuals are more than twice as likely to become entrepreneurs than their never\-incarcerated peers. An estimated 3\.5 million U.S. business owners—10\.6% of all entrepreneurs—have spent time behind bars. These business owners not only rebuild their own lives—they create jobs for others, employing more than 2 million people nationwide. The return on investment for second\-chance entrepreneurship is clear. According to AEO, returning citizen entrepreneurs earn 11% more than formerly incarcerated individuals in traditional jobs, and experience 33% lower recidivism rates.
PEP graduates have formed over 750 businesses, creating a $122 million positive economic impact on the Texas economy. With 100% of participants employed within 90 days, PEP transforms tax consumers to tax producers. Forty\-two percent of graduates own a home within three years of release. This success has maintained a recidivism rate of 4%\-8%; much lower than the Texas average of 21\.4% and the national average of 50%.
Incubation Process
From our earliest days, we discerned the life\-giving impact that arises when participants deeply encounter and intentionally “collide” with high\-capacity business executives and entrepreneurs – both pre\- and post\-release. Our executive volunteers are catalysts for transformation who speak life, hope and confidence into our participants.
Incubation at PEP involves four distinct populations:
- Returning Citizens and Graduates of the PEP Core In\-Prison Program (who have lived the PEP values and received entrepreneurship education inside prison)
- Returning Citizens and paroled from PEP Incentivized Housing Program (who have lived the PEP values, and received only business foundation education)
- Returning Citizens who have had no previous PEP experience
- Business Executives who wish to serve as mentors and coaches to returning citizens who are interested in entrepreneurship
- Expanded Education – offering comprehensive entrepreneurship education leveraging participant\-volunteer collisions
- Events \- providing varied opportunities for returned citizens and volunteers to collide
- Mentoring \- facilitating deeper connections between participants and volunteers
- Organize workshops, training sessions, and networking events
- Support participants as they develop and launch business ideas
- Connect participants with volunteer business mentors
- Facilitate meaningful mentor–entrepreneur relationships
- Engage business leaders who want to support returning citizens
- Develop partnerships with local organizations and institutions
- Monitor business formation, growth, and employment outcomes
- Maintain records and program metrics in Salesforce
- Strong program management and organizational skills
- Ability to build authentic relationships across diverse groups
- Passion for entrepreneurship and economic opportunity
- Comfort working with individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration
- Entrepreneurial mindset and problem\-solving ability
At PEP, entry to the incubation process has two pre\-requisites: re\-entry stabilization (at least 90 days out) and completion of Leadership Academy – PEP’s character development program.
Incubation is based in two physical locations: Houston (at PEP’s office in the East End Maker Hub) and Dallas (at PEP’s office in Richardson). Travel will be required to manage volunteers and participants in both locations. Primary coordination duties include:
Though it has been operational for five years, recent changes inside the prison environment have given rise to new opportunities to deepen and expand the incubation experience. This position will have the opportunity to shape a significant portion of PEP’s future, working alongside experienced volunteers to guide the content and activity.
The Role
PEP is seeking an Incubation Coordinator to help lead and expand our post\-release entrepreneurship programs.
In this role, you will work directly with returning citizens who want to start businesses while also engaging experienced executives and entrepreneurs who volunteer as mentors.
Your work will help transform business ideas into real companies and connect emerging entrepreneurs with the networks and support they need to succeed.
This position is both programmatic and relational — combining program management, community building, and mentorship coordination.
Responsibilities
Create Entrepreneurship Programs
Build Mentor Relationships
Strengthen the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Track Program Impact
Requirements
Job Requirements
This is a full\-time position based in Houston or Dallas with frequent local and regional travel. Evening and weekend commitments for events and community engagement activities are also common. PEP requires employees to report to the office during business hours. Remote work may be permitted on a case\-by\-case basis with supervisor support.
Must be comfortable working with men in prisons, men and women who have been justice\-impacted and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
Salary and Benefits
Competitive salary (dependent on experience), with company paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits and a SIMPLE IRA.