Survivors to Entrepreneurs (S2E) Program

Through the FY 2019 Field-Generated Innovations in Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking solicitation, OVC will support projects that enhance identification of and services for victims in order to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving anti-trafficking field, and to best serve victims of human trafficking. Projects will develop or enhance promising practices, models, and victim-centered programs, or apply them in innovative ways, to build the capacity of victim service providers to close gaps in assisting all victims of sex and labor trafficking in the United States. Specifically, Survivor Ventures (SV) will support the Survivors to Entrepreneurs (S2E) program in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) of Hampton Roads, Virginia to create pathways to economic empowerment for 36 human trafficking victims, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVAP). To achieve this goal, funding is needed to bridge existing wage gap in Hampton Roads. Typical job readiness programs that exist in Hampton Roads are unprepared to address the complex needs of survivors. S2E is a 24-month program, accepting 12 new survivors each year, that occurs in two phases: S2E1 involves paid internships, job coaching, entrepreneur mentorship, and specialized skills training to include vetted business plan development and the opportunity to incorporate one’s own business; S2E2 builds upon the skills and experience derived in year one with a clear pipeline to connect participants with additional existing small business resources to fund and grow their business. In recognition that economic empowerment begins with safe shelter, creative collaborations have been formulated to ensure participants have access to emergency shelter and rental assistance for long-term permanent housing. CA/NCF