Wisconsin-based startup accelerator gener8tor and American Family Insurance are partnering on a program that looks to reduce recidivism and find opportunities for individuals who were formerly incarcerated.
Gener8tor announced Thursday that it's launching a program this fall in Milwaukee that focuses on reducing incarceration. Working in partnership with the American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Impact, gener8tor will work with Milwaukee-based individuals and organizations to develop new ideas to address recidivism and ultimately help people launch sustainable companies.
The program falls under gener8tor's gBeta Social Impact program, which launched in Madison last August in an effort to boost companies that are making a positive impact on the world.
"Understanding what that journey is like for the individuals re-entering society and wanting to have inclusion from a financial and social perspective, and being able to be a viable citizen, it’s a struggle," Nyra Jordan, an impact investment director at the American Family Insurance Institute, said in a statement. "Getting proximity to the people and communities impacted by these issues and understanding the root causes will lead us to real tangible solutions."
Gener8tor said up to five teams will be selected for the Milwaukee-based gBeta Social impact program, and will meet twice a week for one month. The selected participants will receive free co-working space at Nō Studios in Milwaukee, and will receive support from gener8tor and the American Family Institute to continue testing prototypes and building their businesses following the conclusion of the program.
The program will begin August 28 at Sherman Phoenix with a panel discussion centered around recidivism, featuring Shanyeill McCloud, the founder and president of Milwaukee-based Second Chance Staffing.
