Project ReMADE and Project ReMAKE Pitch
Introduction and Goals
Project ReMADE , launched in 2012 at Stanford University, aims to support the economic independence of formerly incarcerated individuals by providing alternatives to crime through self-employment. The initiative seeks to reduce both the financial and social costs associated with criminal behaviour. Entrepreneurs in the program attend biweekly classes covering essential business topics, such as accounting, marketing, negotiations, and public speaking. These classes are facilitated by Stanford Law School and Stanford Graduate School of Business students, alongside mentoring from professionals.
Adaptation in the UK: Project ReMAKE
In 2019, Dr. Kameel Khan adapted the ReMADE model to establish Project ReMAKE in the UK. This program involves 6-8 weeks of training, during which entrepreneurs participate in weekly online lectures aimed at developing a real-life business plan. Classes are taught by industry professionals, supported by mentors from both student and business backgrounds. The program concludes with a "Dragon’s Den" style pitch competition where entrepreneurs present their business ideas to successful entrepreneurs and investors for potential funding. Additionally, ReMAKE collaborates with large corporations to provide graduates with internship and job placement opportunities.
Innovative Approach
A distinctive feature of Project ReMAKE is its transition from an "organization-centric" model to a "hub and spoke" approach. Instead of being anchored in a single university, ReMAKE partners with various public and private organizations across multiple locations, coordinated by a central ReMAKE team. This model promotes a holistic strategy for rehabilitation, connecting all stakeholders with formerly incarcerated individuals at its core. By moving away from a fragmented system, Project ReMAKE aims to create a cohesive support network for economic viability and social integration after incarceration.
Expansion and Impact
Since its inception, Project ReMAKE has expanded to three locations in collaboration with universities and organizations such as Queen Mary University of London, Bradford University, the University of West England, the UK Ministry of Justice, The New Futures Network, the British Library, and the Association of Business Mentors. As of December 2023, the program has graduated 108 participants, with only an 8% known reoffending rate, indicating a significant social and economic impact. This success is largely attributed to creating mutually beneficial relationships between entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
Project ReMake Enterprise Education Course
Introduction
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Dr Kameel Khan – Nov 2024
The Project ReMake Enterprise Education Course is a transformative initiative aimed at blending education, mentorship, and career opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Offered by the University of the West of England in partnership with Project ReMake, this 8-week online program equips participants with essential business skills and practical training.
Course Overview
The course empowers individuals with entrepreneurial ambitions, providing the opportunity to achieve ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) Level 3 qualifications, equivalent to two A-levels. Participants develop a comprehensive business plan tailored to their ventures, receiving support from Academic Tutors and Business Mentors to combine theoretical knowledge with practical insights.
Course Structure
The program consists of weekly sessions covering various business topics, including:
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Introduction to Entrepreneurship
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Business Idea Development and Market Strategy
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Marketing, Customers, and Pricing
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Finance, Accounting, and Cash Flow
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Leadership and Managing People
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Ethical and Legal Foundations
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Business Plan Development and Presentation Prep
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Independent Work and Final Presentations
Each session includes online workbooks for reinforcing learning, culminating in participants collaborating with their Business Mentors to finalize their business plans by Week 7.
Capstone Presentation
The course culminates in a Dragons' Den-style presentation, where participants pitch their business plans to a panel of experts. This supportive environment focuses on constructive feedback, providing valuable connections to funding or employment opportunities. For those not pursuing entrepreneurship, participants may present a personal 5-year plan focused on career or personal development goals.
Outcomes and Career Prospects
Graduates receive ILM qualifications and may apply for permanent positions at Capita PLC. Additional training programs are available for those needing further development, ensuring participants leave equipped to start their own businesses or enhance their employability.
Support and Mentorship
The course features a robust mentorship system, with Academic Mentors aiding in course content and Business Mentors refining business plans. This dual support creates a comprehensive learning environment, fostering entrepreneurial confidence.
Resources
Participants have access to top-tier resources, including tools from the British Library's Business & IP Centre, aiding their research and business planning efforts.
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Dr Kameel Khan – Nov 2024
Expanding University Involvement and Benefits
To ensure the success of the Project ReMake Enterprise Education Course, the university must allocate dedicated teaching staff and student mentors. This collaboration creates a mutually beneficial opportunity for the university and the wider community.
Benefits to the University
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Diversity and Inclusion : By working with marginalized groups, the university demonstrates its commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment. This aligns with broader institutional goals to increase diversity and equal opportunities within the education sector.
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Enhanced Reputation : Partnering with Project ReMake enhances the university’s reputation for community outreach and social impact. This project offers a tangible way for the university to contribute to social justice while promoting its role as a leader in entrepreneurial education.
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Meeting Access and Participation Goals : Engaging with Project ReMake supports the university's Access and Participation Agreement (APA) with the government. This course demonstrates a commitment to widening participation in higher education and providing opportunities for those from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, showcasing the university as a proactive institution contributing meaningfully to social mobility.
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Learning Opportunities for Student Mentors : Student mentors gain valuable leadership experience and real-world exposure by working with participants. They can develop mentoring, coaching, and business advisory skills—an invaluable addition to their academic and professional development.
Integrating this program into the university's broader initiatives directly supports the institution’s strategic objectives while making a real impact on the lives of people who face barriers to education and employment. The collaboration would help the university stand out for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
Feedback from Entrepreneurs
The ReMAKE program has planted a seed for many participants, with one entrepreneur stating, "It has set me on a different path." He emphasized the importance of knowledge and sustained support gained through the program to motivate him to keep going in the right direction. He elaborated, “It took me back to basics. It broke down what a business is really; it took you back to the heart of a business plan and how to formulate that business plan. Having somebody like David the mentor is very important… they're not your social worker; they were there as somebody who would go into great detail, asking you why you're making certain decisions, etc. There are courses that you can attend in prison or probation. But suddenly, it comes to an end, whereas with ReMAKE, there isn't an end; there's continued support…. That’s the motivational factor! ReMAKE is like that spider's web… it has got so many legs. You know, there's so much to tap into."
The program enhances prison leavers' chances of gaining employment. For instance, all entrepreneurs interning at a large corporation were offered full-time jobs, which meant a changed world for many prison leavers and their families. As one entrepreneur explained, “Project ReMAKE has allowed me to see myself in a different light, open new
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Dr Kameel Khan – Nov 2024
doors, and let go of the past, in exchange for the future…. It's the first job I have ever had in my life apart from a job when I was 15—I worked for a week on a building site. Having that (a full-time job) made my life with my son a lot better because I know that actually, there's something down the line that's going to lead somewhere for me, him, and his mother.”
Interestingly, some entrepreneurs applied their entrepreneurial competencies within the organization. One entrepreneur’s initial idea was to start an “honesty box” café to support her local church and community. While interning for the big corporate partner, she spotted an opportunity to develop a program onboarding other disadvantaged social groups such as refugees and black graduates for the organization. She wrote a business case and was offered a job, although her dream was still to open the café one day. She shared, “I went into the job (internship) with the thought that I was going to continue with my business plan… (when I got this new job) and then I really started getting into it because it’s about development and training… I got involved with the refugees and I got involved with the black graduates... So it really is a job that I like a lot. I asked for a sixmonth extension because I wanted to see the program I had designed from beginning to end.”
The ReMAKE program clearly provides entrepreneurs with a robust support system free of judgment and stigma—a vital condition for re-entry and repurposing marginalized people. As one entrepreneur mentioned, “I came to the (Project ReMAKE) program alone and left with a family.”
Feedback from Students
The ReMAKE program's experiential learning approach effectively brings students' academic knowledge to life, sparking their interest in entrepreneurship. This supports the notion that mentoring entrepreneurs enhances students' own entrepreneurial abilities and skillsets (Gimmon, 2014). One student reflected, “Project ReMAKE was a blast from start to finish. I didn't consider a single minute of it to be work or a burden because it helped improve my interpersonal skills and critical thinking abilities. I was the one learning the professional way of starting a business and the challenges faced by an entrepreneur…”
Survey results indicate that students rated the program highly for developing their knowledge, skills, and networks. An impressive 88% of students expressed extreme satisfaction (rated 5 out of 5) with the overall experience. They reported significant gains in various areas, including confidence in communication (74%), networking skills (65%), and an entrepreneurial mindset (60%). Furthermore, 73% of students indicated they improved their ability to work collaboratively to solve problems creatively and systematically.
The program also encouraged students to reflect on their current practices and explore opportunities for improvement.
Q&A Session
1. What is the ILM qualification and how is it integrated into the course?
Answer: The ILM qualification is a recognized leadership credential in the UK. It is embedded through two specific Level 3 modules completed during coursework and presentations, allowing graduates to obtain two qualifications equivalent to A-levels.
2. What kind of business plans do participants develop?
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Answer: Participants create business plans aligned with their individual ideas, covering strategy, marketing, finance, and legal aspects. Mentorship ensures real-world applicability and guidance throughout the process.
3. What is the role of Business Mentors?
Answer: Business Mentors are experienced professionals who assist participants in refining their business plans. They offer personalized support focused on individual business ideas, helping participants navigate challenges and enhance their plans.
4. How does this course benefit those not starting a business?
Answer: The leadership and management skills gained are applicable across various industries. Additionally, the personal 5-year plan presentation helps participants articulate their long-term career aspirations, benefiting those who may not pursue entrepreneurship.
5. Can you explain the "Dragons' Den" event?
Answer: The "Dragons' Den" event allows participants to pitch their ideas to a panel for feedback and guidance. While direct investment isn’t the primary focus, panel members may offer valuable connections to funding opportunities, enhancing participants' chances of success.
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Dr Kameel Khan – Nov 2024