A partnership that unlocks second chances through entrepreneurship
Dallas, Texas, April 22, 2025 – Entre Capital and PeopleFund, two Texas Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are proud to announce their partnership to expand access to capital for people returning from incarceration across the state.
“We are so grateful for the partnership and the desire of PeopleFund to help those impacted by the justice system. Entrepreneurship is more than a second chance; it’s a foundation for dignity, economic mobility, and community transformation. Our partnership is about believing in people and giving them the tools to succeed. This work proves that potential is powerful, but when matched with opportunity and guidance, it becomes unstoppable.”
— Bryan Robert, Executive Director, Entre Capital
Each year, over 650,000 people in the US return to their communities after serving time in prison. Nearly 68% are rearrested within three years. A lack of access to housing, employment, and financial resources creates steep barriers to success. Entrepreneurship offers a path that promotes financial independence, dignity, and long-term community impact.
“Everyone deserves a fair shot at success, and that includes those who have paid their debt to society,” said Gustavo Lasala, President and CEO of PeopleFund. “At PeopleFund, we’ve long explored how to address this challenge. Then we found Entre. They’ve built an effective model with a bold vision for growth. Rather than reinvent the wheel, we chose to stand behind them and help scale their impact.”
Entrepreneurial training, credit-building tools, mentorship, and affordable financing options will be offered through this initiative, creating a holistic support system designed to meet the unique needs of participants. This will help create opportunities for sustainable business ownership, economic mobility and stronger communities for all.
For Steve Menefee, loan funds and coaching was life-changing. While his mentor helped him refine his business strategy and identify growth areas, the $25,000 line of credit gave him the financial means to put those plans into action. With the funds, Steve was able to cover critical operating expenses like office space, utilities, payroll, and diesel. The loan provided a vital cushion, allowing him to focus on expanding his CDL trucking school, recruiting instructors, and building his brand.
“It allowed us to operate and not worry about the operating expenses. It gave us a head start to actually move forward.”
—Steve Menefee, Owner of Meathead Career Centers
This initiative is made possible thanks to the shared vision and commitment of both CDFIs to economic justice, community investment, and inclusive entrepreneurship.
About Entre Capital LLC
Entre Capital LLC, a subsidiary of Prison Entrepreneurship Program is a mission-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) focused on closing the opportunity gap for individuals impacted by the justice system through low cost loans and technical assistance. Entre’s work supports economic mobility and entrepreneurship as a pathway to sustainable reentry and long-term success. Learn more at https://www.entrecapital.com/
About PeopleFund
PeopleFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving Texas communities for over 30 years. PeopleFund provides financial assistance, business education, and long-term support to small businesses and nonprofits owned by or serving low and moderate-income populations. Since its founding in 1994, PeopleFund’s direct impact on Texas economy exceeds $1.2Billion out of which $250,000 million was deployed to small businesses and non-profits that created or retained 25,000 jobs across the state. Learn more at https://www.peoplefund.org/.
Media Contacts
Entre Capital
Bryan Robert
Executive Director
(214) 432-3070
PeopleFund
Jenny Palecek, SVP of Philanthropic Partnerships
[email protected]
(512) 222-1005