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Comeback Catalyst

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Co-Founders: Emily O'Brien & Lucy Cullen

Empowering Entrepreneurial Success After Incarceration

Every year, approximately 37,000 individuals are released from correctional facilities, many are left with minimal options to reintegrate into society. That results in economic instability and, often, recidivism: 44% of the formerly incarcerated population returns to a correctional facility within two years. Co-founders Emily O'Brien (Comeback Snacks) and Lucy Cullen (Business Consultant & Serial Entrepreneur) have tailored the Comeback Catalyst program to help the formerly incarcerated break the cycle, allowing them to foster an entrepreneurial spirit, access invaluable business tools, and learn from nationally recognized speakers and mentors.

O'Brien is a formerly incarcerated entrepreneur herself: She started her popcorn company, Comeback Snacks, while in Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ontario, and has grown to sell her fare at over 1000 locations, including major retailers and iconic venues across North America.

Comeback Catalyst has secured an investment from The Northpine Foundation (external link) , an organization that backs high-potential initiatives aimed at creating lasting, impactful change in underserved communities.

Comeback Catalyst is available nationwide to any adult (18+) who was formerly incarcerated, completely free of charge. The inaugural program will help graduates increase their personal income and business revenue by empowering them to launch a business.