• New Start Entrepreneurship Program

    The Pathways to Excellence New Start Program is a comprehensive 12-week entrepreneurship development program specifically designed for justice-involved individuals in Maryland. Through this program, you'll develop business skills, create a business plan, receive mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, and connect to financing opportunities including the Maryland New Start Microloan Program.

  • SECTION A: PERSONAL INFORMATION

  • Date of Birth*
     - -
  • Gender*
  • Race/Ethnicity*
  • Primary Language Spoken*
  • Do you need language interpretation services?*
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Preferred Contact Method*
  • Best Time to Contact*
  • Housing Status*
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • SECTION B: ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

    Justice Involvement Status (Required for Program Eligibility)
  • 1. Criminal Justice History

  • 2. Release Information

  • Most recent release date
     - -
  • Length of sentence served

  • Supervision Officer Information (if applicable)

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • 4. Offense Eligibility Verification (Required)" Important*

  • SECTION C: EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT

    Educational Background
  • Highest Level Completed*
  • Currently in School*

  • Employment History

  • Current Employment Status*

  • SECTION D: ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTEREST & EXPERIENCE

    Business Interest Assessment
  • 1. Why are you interested in starting a business? (Select all that apply)*
  • 2. Business Idea Development
  • 3. Business Experience (Select all that apply)*
  • 4. Target Industry/Sector (Check all interests)*

  • SECTION E: BARRIERS & SUPPORT NEEDS ASSESSMENT

    Current Challenges (Check all that apply)
  • Basic Needs*
  • Financial*
  • Legal*
  • Technology*
  • Personal*

  • Support Systems

  • 1. Who can you count on for support? (Select all that apply)*
  • 2. Are you currently receiving services from any organizations?

  • SECTION F: PROGRAM COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS

    Program Requirements Understanding

  • The Pathways to Excellence New Start Program requires:

    • 24-week commitment (September/October 2025 - April 2026)
    • Weekly attendance at training sessions (virtual and in-person)
    • Completion of homework and business development assignments
    • Participation in mentoring relationships
    • Business plan development and competition participation
    • Follow-up engagement for 6 months after program completion

    I understand and can commit to the program requirements listed above


    Schedule Availability

  • 1. Current weekly schedule conflicts: (Select all that apply)*
  • 2. Preferred session times: (Select all that work)*
  • 3. Transportation*

  • SECTION G: GOALS & EXPECTATIONS

    Personal Goals
  • 1. What do you hope to achieve through this program? (Select all that apply)*

  • Program Support Needs

  • 1. What type of support would be most helpful? (Select top 3)*
  • 2. Preferred learning style: (Select all that apply)*

  • SECTION H: REFERENCES

    Professional/Character References

  • Reference 1

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Reference 2

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • SECTION I: PROGRAM AGREEMENTS & CONSENT

    Program Participation Agreement
  • I understand and agree to the following*
  • Record Release Authorization (Optional but Recommended)

  • SECTION J: APPLICANT CERTIFICATION

    Certification and Signature

  • I certify that:

    • All information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
    • I understand that false or misleading information may result in denial or termination from the program
    • I meet the eligibility requirements for the program
    • I am committed to active participation in all program components
    • I understand that program participation does not guarantee business success or access to financing
  • Date*
     - -
  • Should be Empty: