PROVIDING SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING & COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOTATION WITH THE SUPPORT & RESOURCES NEEDED TO ATTAIN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT.
SURVIVORS TO ENTREPRENEURS
The Survivors to Entrepreneurs (S2E) Program is a comprehensive, trauma-informed initiative designed to help survivors achieve true economic mobility. Using an Intensive Community-Based Treatment model, S2E removes employment barriers, builds professional skills, supports small business partnerships, and prepares survivors for long-term independence through employment or entrepreneurship.
For survivors in all chapters we serve, many of whom face unique barriers due to past criminal convictions, S2E creates meaningful opportunities for stable income, career growth, and ownership of their economic future.
A 4-Phase Economic Empowerment Model
S2E operates within our larger 4-phase pathway that strengthens survivors’ stability and prepares them for long-term financial independence:
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Re-Entry Stabilization
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Housing Stability
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Employment
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Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship
Employment
This phase centers on job placement, wage support, workplace skill-building, and trauma-informed employer partnerships.
Key Components:
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Supported Employment: Survivors are placed in vetted small businesses that provide safe, trauma-informed work environments.
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Immediate Income: Survivors begin earning right away thanks to a wage‐subsidy model.
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On-Site Job Coaching: Intensive support ensures survivors learn skills, build confidence, and successfully adjust to the workplace.
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Professional Development: Participants gain transferable skills such as communication, digital literacy, scheduling, customer service, and workplace resilience.
Wage Subsidy Schedule:
To promote stabilization and professional growth, S2E uses a three-tier subsidy model:
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100% wage subsidy — Months 1–3
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50% wage subsidy — Months 4–6
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25% wage subsidy — Months 7–9
This phased approach allows survivors to ease into financial independence while small businesses gain the benefit of supported staffing.
Trauma-Informed Business Partnerships
S2E forms unique partnerships with small businesses, startups, and mom-and-pop shops that are willing to provide safe, supportive, survivor-centered employment.
Benefits for Business Partners:
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Fully subsidized wages in early months
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Increased revenue through additional staffing
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Training to operate as a trauma-informed employer
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Long-term community impact through economic empowerment
These partnerships foster local economic growth while giving survivors dignified, meaningful employment opportunities.
Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship
The final phase prepares survivors to run their own businesses or step confidently into leadership roles.
Key Supports Include:
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One-on-one business mentorship with established small business owners
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Hands-on training in real-world business operations
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Skill certifications in areas such as:
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QuickBooks
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Social Media Marketing
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Bookkeeping
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Customer relations and sales
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Business incorporation assistance
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Business incubation, with ongoing coaching and support after launch
This “employment first, entrepreneurship next” model ensures survivors have real-world experience before stepping into business ownership.
Wraparound Support Throughout S2E
To ensure lasting success, participants receive ongoing trauma-informed support, including:
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Intensive community-based treatment (ICBT)
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Case management
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Safety planning
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Workforce readiness coaching
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Financial and budgeting support
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Transportation coordination
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Referrals to mental health and holistic care programs
Economic empowerment only works when survivors are supported as whole people, and S2E is designed with that at its core.
Our Vision
We envision a thriving ecosystem of survivor-owned businesses and trauma-informed employers committed to creating safe, dignified, and sustainable economic opportunities.
Economic empowerment is not just an outcome; it is the pathway to long-term freedom.