// EFFECTIVE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2020 PER CHAPTER 315 OF 2015 //
(a) In this section, “Program” means the Pilot Program for Small Business Development by Ex–Offenders.
(b) (1) On or before January 1, 2016, subject to the availability of funds, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority, shall establish a program to assist individuals exiting the correctional system by providing:
(i) training in how to establish small businesses; and
(ii) funding to establish small businesses.
(2) The Program established under this section shall terminate at the end of December 31, 2020.
(3) The Department may coordinate with other entities that offer to provide resources for the Program, including funding, training, and mentoring services.
(c) The Department shall develop an evaluation process for the Program that includes a mechanism to evaluate whether the Program has operated to encourage the establishment of stable small businesses by individuals who have participated in the Program.
(d) In consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Department shall select between three and five individuals to participate in the Program who:
(1) have recently exited the correctional system; and
(2) have identified an interest or a skill set that indicates a likelihood of successful implementation of the business plan proposed by the individual.
(e) An individual selected to participate in the Program shall receive training and mentoring in the development of a business plan.
(f) The Department shall:
(1) partner an individual participating in the Program with a mentor who will guide the individual over a 3–year period following the implementation of the individual’s business plan; and
(2) assist the individual in obtaining financing for the individual’s small business through the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority.