UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at Penn State is establishing partnerships with state correctional institutions (SCIs) across the commonwealth to help build, grow, and enhance entrepreneurial education programming for incarcerated veterans.
Over the past year, VBOC has begun collaborating with SCIs to support and strengthen entrepreneurship programming within Veterans Service Units (VSUs). The work reflects Invent Penn State’s broader mission to expand access to entrepreneurship, workforce development and economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.
VBOC director Hazel Diaz as well as members of the Invent Penn State LaunchBox & Innovation Network team visited SCI Houtzdale twice in the past year to support pitch-style presentations, concluding a 12-week entrepreneurship program run through the prison’s VSU.
Incarcerated veterans presented business concepts to a panel of Penn State-affiliated coaches and judges who provided feedback, encouragement, and guidance.
The Shark Tank-inspired program at SCI Houtzdale was developed in large part by the incarcerated veterans themselves. A team of incarcerated individuals created the curriculum in 2022 using publicly available materials from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry and online pitch resources.
“The incarcerated population doesn’t have access to many of the tools we usually rely on,” said Diaz. “But even with those limitations, the level of preparation, thoughtfulness and engagement we saw from the incarcerated individuals was incredibly impressive.”
Six participants presented business ideas during the most recent visit, with some exploring entrepreneurship for the first time, while others were planning to relaunch businesses they had operated prior to incarceration.
“This last time, we received a pitch from someone who previously had a business and wanted to restart it. I was really impressed with the business skills I heard them describe. There is some great talent there, and this incarcerated individual was really strategic on how to relaunch,” said Annie Hughes, statewide coordinator of the LaunchBox & Innovation Network.
Another participant returned to the program with a working business idea inspired by feedback from the Penn State team’s first visit. After identifying a lack of timely sports information in the facility, he launched a paid weekly sports newsletter for incarcerated individuals.
“I’m a firm believer that people are more than the worst thing they’ve ever done,” Diaz said. “Seeing how seriously these participants approached the program, how prepared they were, and how much they supported one another, really underscored what’s possible when people are given the right tools and encouragement.”
Diaz and Hughes said that the participants asked increasingly forward-looking questions during the most recent visit, including inquiries about funding options, post-release support and whether VBOC services would remain available after reentry. According to Diaz, that shift signals growing confidence and belief that entrepreneurship is a realistic path forward.
VBOC is also developing a working relationship with SCI Phoenix after an initial visit in January. Diaz said they conducted a business training program on that first visit, and are currently exploring ways for VBOC to support SCI Phoenix as the facility builds their own entrepreneurial programming and curriculum.
Diaz said employment and economic stability are widely recognized as critical factors in reducing recidivism. As Pennsylvania’s incarcerated population declines and individuals reenter communities statewide, Hughes said programs like this align closely with broader workforce development and economic mobility goals emphasized by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, as outlined in Shapiro's Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development in Pennsylvania.
“These individuals are part of Pennsylvania’s future workforce,” Diaz said. “Supporting their ability to become self-sufficient, contribute economically, and build stability benefits not just them, but the entire commonwealth.”
Those at the center said they view this work as the beginning of a longer-term relationship with Pennsylvania’s correctional institutions. The team plans to continue supporting the entrepreneurship program at SCI Houtzdale, provide feedback and resources to SCI Phoenix, and explore opportunities to expand programming to additional facilities.
“We don’t want to reinvent what already exists,” Hughes said. “These VSU programs are strong. Our role is to enhance, support and help them grow their entrepreneurial programming and resource library.”
About Veterans Business Outreach Centers
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is a U.S. Small Business Administration initiative lead by its Office of Veterans Business Development and spans the country with 31 VBOC locations. This small business program features a number of success stories and offers business plan workshops, concept assessments, mentorship and training for eligible veterans. Find the nearest center here.