This paper explores the potential of entrepreneurship policy to help the re-integration of formerly incarcerated individuals into the labour market. Self-employment can offer a viable route into work for formerly incarcerated individuals where they have relevant entrepreneurial motivations, competencies and projects, helping them step around various barriers to re-entering standard employment. However, support is often needed. The paper gives an overview of the challenges for formerly incarcerated individuals in re-entering the labour market and discusses the entrepreneurship support measures governments are developing and factors for success. Key actions include entrepreneurship training, loans, advice, mentoring and networking. They should be designed in a structured, co-ordinated and holistic approach including both pre-release and post-release phases and emphasising co-operation across partner organisations.
