Unlocking Opportunity: Supporting Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs for Arizona’s Future Unlocking Opportunity: Supporting Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs for Arizona’s Future By: Shamia Lodge, Co-Chair, Black Chamber of Arizona Entrepreneurship has long been a cornerstone of the American Dream, but for justice-impacted individuals—those who have been incarcerated or affected by the criminal justice system—that dream often feels out of reach. In Arizona, where disparities in incarceration and access to opportunity remain stark, justice-impacted entrepreneurs face unique barriers to success. For Black entrepreneurs, the challenges are even greater due to systemic inequities that exclude them from funding and resources critical for business development. These inequities are not just a matter of social justice—they’re an economic issue. Arizona’s economy is growing rapidly, with industries like technology, construction, and renewable energy fueling innovation and creating demand for new talent. Yet justice-impacted individuals, especially those from historically marginalized groups, are often locked out of opportunities to contribute to and benefit from this growth. Nationally, Black Americans are incarcerated at five times the rate of white Americans, and in Arizona, they make up 14% of the incarcerated population while accounting for just 5% of the state’s overall population. When individuals are excluded from opportunities to build businesses and create jobs, the entire state suffers. Efforts to address this exclusion are beginning to take shape. Programs like Impact AZ 2025, a statewide initiative designed to aid Black and minority-owned businesses in preparing for contracting opportunities, provide technical assistance to strengthen operating capacity and capital readiness, positioning them to attract larger contracts and growth opportunities. Such initiatives directly address the systemic hurdles that justice-impacted entrepreneurs face through mentorship, access to capital, and training. These programs are not just investments in individuals—they represent a recognition of the value these entrepreneurs bring to the state’s economy. Empowering justice-impacted entrepreneurs remains one of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism, strengthen families, and drive community revitalization. The role of policy cannot be overstated in advancing these efforts. Arizona must take bold steps to ensure justice-impacted entrepreneurs have the tools they need to thrive. This includes passing legislation that incentivizes investments in businesses led by justice-impacted individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Tax breaks for companies that provide contracts or mentorship to these entrepreneurs could catalyze wider participation. Removing unnecessary licensing restrictions and other systemic barriers tied to past incarceration would also open the doors for more individuals to pursue entrepreneurship. Corporate Arizona also has a responsibility. Businesses can no longer afford to overlook the potential of justice-impacted entrepreneurs. Supplier diversity programs must integrate justice-impacted individuals, while partnerships with initiatives like Impact AZ 2025 can help ensure long-term success. Creating opportunities for direct mentorship is another practical step companies can take to build a more inclusive economy. These efforts are not merely altruistic—they are smart business decisions. Research shows that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and individuals who have overcome adversity bring unique resilience and creativity to their ventures. Inclusion is not about prioritizing one group at the expense of another. Highlighting the barriers faced by Black justice-impacted entrepreneurs does not detract from the broader goal of creating opportunity for all. It recognizes the systemic inequities that exist and ensures that those most affected by exclusion are not left behind. When justice-impacted entrepreneurs succeed, they reinvest in their communities, creating jobs, building wealth, and providing role models for the next generation. Arizona has the potential to lead the nation in building an economy that works for everyone. Targeted investments, supportive policies, and corporate leadership are essential to ensuring that justice-impacted entrepreneurs thrive. Without these measures, the state risks leaving untapped potential on the table. The question is not whether we can afford to support these entrepreneurs, but whether we can afford not to. Their success is directly tied to Arizona’s future. Unlocking the potential of justice-impacted individuals, particularly those from communities long excluded from opportunity, creates a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone. Arizona’s success depends on its ability to harness the creativity, innovation, and determination of all its residents. Justice-impacted entrepreneurs are ready to contribute. Now is the time for Arizona to lead by removing barriers, fostering opportunity, and ensuring these entrepreneurs are fully included in the state’s success story.
