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Penny Alsop & 3 Smart Girlz, LLC

"Bridge the Gap" of employing ex-offenders.Penny Alsop & 3 Smart Girlz, LLC

COMPETED FOR

$250K
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Competed in
February, 2010

Goals

  • Provide employment for ex-offenders.
  • Develop a business model that will enable expansion and growth.
  • Become a certified work release program.

Pictures

Overview

The "Bridge the Gap" project will fulfill one of the most critical needs of ex-offenders upon release and during their transition time from the 'inside' to the outside world - employment. Using the proven viability of small scale gardening, Florida's long growing season, and the general public's growing desire for fresh, local produce, it will create and operate a small urban farm and market, employing up to ten ex-offenders in its first year of operation. The training center will teach skills and provide ample opportunity to practice and cultivate gardening, cooking, retail,  service and small business management skills.

Deliverables:

1 small urban farm established
1 open air market launched
1 training center underway
1 operational food cart5 - 10 new jobs for ex-offenders1 training curriculum written and implemented
100 free-standing home gardens sold1 work release program certified
1 business plan for increasing profits and attracting investors

How will the 250K be Used?

$ 20,000 Lease land and establish urban farm
$ 10,000 Purchase supplies for farm and home gardens
$ 138,000 Salaries and benefits for positions held by ex-offenders
$ 7,000 Food cart purchase
$ 75,000 Professional services
Do Good for the Gulf.

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