U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship ranking member Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) today announced the introduction of the New Start Act of 2025, legislation that would establish a five-year pilot program within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to award grants of $100,000 to $500,000 to organizations annually to provide entrepreneurial development training to currently or formerly incarcerated individuals. The legislation is being introduced during Second Chance Month, which recognizes the important role of individuals, communities, and agencies across the country in supporting the safe and successful reentry of people returning home or returning to their communities from jails and prisons each year.
“As JustLeadershipUSA amplifies #SecondChancesInAction this April, we are reminded of the urgent need for the resources this legislation would provide. The economic impact of a conviction history—and the permanent punishments it creates—must be addressed head on through an investment in opportunity as our neighbors return to our society. This is a central part of our 2025-2029 Roadmap for national policy and criminal justice reform. The New Start Act represents one of these crucial investments. We are proud to endorse this legislation and urge the full committee and Senate to immediately move this bill forward,” said Ronald Simpson-Bey, Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at JustLeadershipUSA.