Entrepreneurship is being used as a rehabilitation tool at HMP Chelmsford, where prisoners nearing release have taken part in a practical business start-up workshop run by NEEB Link.
The session focused on helping participants see self-employment as a realistic and positive route back into society, and giving them the confidence, knowledge and practical skills they need to start and run a small business after redundancy.
Designed to be accessible and practical, the workshop covered the core building blocks of entrepreneurship, including developing a business idea, choosing the right business structure, understanding customers and pricing, basic marketing principles and access to free support, mentoring and funding.
The session, delivered by Sarah Brockwell as part of the NEEB Link program, also highlighted the extensive range of fully funded support available to aspiring entrepreneurs across North Essex. This includes access to mentors, co-working spaces, networking opportunities, digital tools and grants.
Attendees were introduced to practical, modern business resources like the NEEB app, free business planning tools, marketing platforms like Canva, and AI tools like ChatGPT that helped demystify technology and show how digital tools can support small businesses from day one.
The feedback from inmates was consistently positive and all participants said they would recommend the workshop to others. One participant described it as “very insightful and informative” and particularly praised the advice on charities and CICs, funding options, mentoring and the range of tools available to support new ventures.
Staff at HMP Chelmsford also welcomed the initiative, praising its relevance and accessibility and inviting the NEEB Link team to return in February to deliver a follow-up workshop specifically on self-employment.
Councilor Ivan Henderson, chair of the North Essex Economic Board, said the initiative reflected a wider commitment to inclusive growth and opportunity.
“The North Essex Economic Board is committed to inclusive growth and creating opportunity for all in our communities,” he said. “Corporate support for rehabilitation is a powerful way to help individuals build a sustainable future and make a positive contribution to society.”
NEEB Link runs until 31 March 2026 and is an initiative of the North Essex Economic Board, fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Consortium (East) Ltd. The program designed and delivered offers free networking events, workshops and resources to help people start and grow businesses in Chelmsford, Braintree, Colchester, Epping Forest and Maldon.
By delivering targeted workshops in facilities such as HMP Chelmsford, NEEB Link continues to demonstrate how business support can play a meaningful role in rehabilitation, social mobility and long-term economic participation.
