On Tuesday afternoon, representatives from the Hawks and Chase engaged with 10 aspiring entrepreneurs who have been impacted by the criminal justice system through the new “Second Chance” community program.

The program left attendees feeling empowered from a day full of educational workshops to enhance their financial health and understanding of business finances as they work to start their own businesses. The aspiring entrepreneurs’ business ideas range from food trucks to social impact and media consulting firms to a re-entry connection business for others who have been previously incarcerated. 

Following an afternoon of workshops at the Chase Summerhill Community Center, Hawks’ Guard Trent Forrest spoke to the participants about his journey navigating finances throughout his NBA career. 

“Knowing the hurdles people affected by the criminal justice system have had to face in so many facets of life, I’m excited the Hawks get to be a part of these aspiring entrepreneurs’ business journeys,” said Hawks Guard, Trent Forrest.

The Hawks and Chase worked with the Atlanta chapter of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and the Georgia State University Prison Education Program to identify aspiring entrepreneurs who have been justice-involved. CEO has previously worked with the NBA Foundation to help justice-impacted job seekers access employment and career mobility across the south, including Atlanta. 

"Breaking down barriers to employment so that more Americans can access a second chance to participate in the workforce is good for families, communities, and the economy. Helping more individuals, including these aspiring entrepreneurs, navigate the roadblocks they may face when reentering the workforce, helps put more people on the path to success," said Brigitte Killings, Chase's Community and Business Development Director for the South. "We are proud to stand alongside the Hawks as we continue to strengthen our Atlanta community and boost our local workforce." 

The entrepreneurs attended four workshops led by financial health professionals who can help them advance their business development journey. The workshops highlighted the importance of building and maintaining credit, how to set goals through budgeting and savings, and breaking down the power of capital and navigating cash flow. 

The “Second Chance” event is the latest in the Hawks’ and Chase’s ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. In February, the Hawks and Chase also engaged with five first-generation “Rookie Entrepreneurs” with similar workshops and surprised them with checks to support their small business growth efforts. 

To celebrate Black History Month, the Hawks Shop and Chase collaborated with ATL Alumni, a local Atlanta lifestyle brand, to create twonew stylish hoodies that reflect the team’s identity and the city’s culture of creativity and innovation.

In October 2022, the Atlanta Hawks and JPMorgan Chase announced a new agreement to expand and grow their integrated partnership. As part of the expanded agreement, Chase became the presenting sponsor in two key experiences: the Chase Concert Club: the arena’s ultra-premium space for enjoying the world’s best live entertainment and NBA action.

To learn more about the Hawks work in the community, visit Hawks.com/Community.

To learn more about the Hawks work with Chase, visit Chase.com/Hawks.