Enterprise for All

Many people in custody want to work for themselves after release, but few have access to structured support to turn an idea into a workable plan. PeoplePlus delivers self-employment programmes in prisons across England and Scotland, funded through the Ministry of Justice, local partnerships and private funders.

We typically deliver a four-day workshop covering business planning, cashflow and pricing, marketing and social media, bookkeeping, and a practical step-by-step plan for life after release. We have delivered at 14 prisons, including HMP Ranby, Drake, North Sea Camp, Littlehey, Wealstun, Leeds, Holme House, HighPoint, Stocken, Whatton, Risely, Hindley, Leicester and Onley, and more than 200 people have taken part.

In Scotland, our business advisers have delivered self-employment programmes at HMP Edinburgh, HMP Stirling and HMP Inverness:

HMP Edinburgh. In partnership with and funded by Capital City Partnership, 11 participants each left with a structured business plan. Two started trading on release, two more plan to trade once their licence conditions end, and at least four others plan to trade when released.

HMP Inverness. Delivered with Balfour Beatty, this was PeoplePlus’s first privately funded self-employment programme. Over ten sessions, each participant produced their own business plan and cashflow forecast.

HMP Stirling. Two groups of women completed the programme, finishing by developing and presenting a joint business plan.

We are now running a 12-month pilot with Rift Social Enterprise, funded by two private funders, at HMP Perth, HMP Castle Huntly and HMP Grampian. Participants receive one-to-one support in the final six months of their sentence, with the option of continued support after release. A further 900 in-cell learning workbooks are being distributed to HMP Barlinnie, HMP Edinburgh, HMP Low Moss, HMP Dumfries and HMP Inverness. The University of Westminster is independently evaluating the pilot to test whether consistent, relationship-based support helps more people move into and sustain self-employment.

“The most worthwhile activity I’ve taken part in through my entire time in prison.” Participant, HMP EdinburghCall centre

Our online learning platform offers a range of enterprise modules, whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, LearningPlus provides the flexibility and resources you need to succeed. From business planning and marketing to financial forecasting and beyond, our expert-crafted modules are designed to empower you at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. Dive in, learn at your own pace, and unlock the tools to turn your business ideas into reality.

Level 2 Certificate in Creating and Starting Your Business

Our Level 2 Certificate in ‘Creating and Starting Your Business’ is ideal for those looking to acquire the essential skills to launch a business. Delivered remotely through our LearningPlus platform, this flexible course can be taken as an SFEDI-accredited qualification or a non-accredited option tailored to individual learners. Despite being remote, learners benefit from the personalised support of a dedicated Business Coach, all of whom bring extensive industry experience and practical insights.

Learning Modules are:

1. Is Self-Employment for Me?*
2. Lean Business Planning*
3. Legal Structures and Registration*
4.Financial Planning and Cashflow Forecasting*
5.Pricing and Selling Techniques*
6. Introduction to Marketing*
7. Developing a Marketing Strategy*
8. Social Media for Business
9. Preparing for Tax Self-Assessment
10. Understanding SEO
11. Building Business Confidence
12. Planning for Growth and Profitability

*Modules covered within SFEDI qualification.