Seven steps · two-month cycles
The Enterprise Pathway
A supported route from an idea to a trading business, for adults with convictions who want to work for themselves. Most people go round the two-month cycle three times, about six months, before launch.
Step by step
From potential to real progress
Every participant has two mentors: a business mentor for the practical side and a lived-experience mentor who has rebuilt their own life after custody.
- 01
Referral & assessment
A one-to-one with a Lagits mentor covering the business idea, skills, money, licence or order conditions, and barriers such as banking, ID, housing or disclosure.
- 02
Guest speakers every two months
Business owners, including some with convictions, talk honestly about how they built a lawful income. Sessions are open to local managers and business owners, so participants build a real network.
- 03
One-day enterprise workshop
Testing an idea, registering as a sole trader with HMRC, tax and National Insurance, pricing, simple bookkeeping, marketing on a budget, insurance, and when and how to disclose a conviction.
- 04
Matched business mentor
Each participant is paired with a business owner or professional for regular advice, while their lived-experience mentor stays alongside for accountability and support.
- 05
Tools & accountancy software
Accountancy software set up and taught, plus templates for a business plan, cash-flow forecast, invoices and terms.
- 06
Banking introductions
Introductions to local business bank managers, help with ID and proof of address, and a letter of support from Lagits. Help preparing start-up finance applications when the business is ready.
- 07
Launch & review
Trading starts with mentor check-ins at 3, 6 and 12 months. Graduates are invited back as speakers and peer mentors.
The mindset programme
Built in at every stage, starting with self-concept
Most new businesses fail when the founder stops believing, loses focus or gives up after the first setbacks, not for lack of a plan. After years of being labelled, self-esteem is often the first thing that needs rebuilding. Research into desistance has long found that people who stop offending build a new, positive story about who they are. The mindset programme gives that shift structure, and ties it to something real: running a business.
The foundation
Self-concept
Rebuilding self-worth after years of being labelled, and seeing yourself as capable, trustworthy and a business owner. Everything else rests on this.
Resilience
Recovering from rejection, a bad month or a lost customer without walking away.
Persistence
Keeping going through the slow early months before income is steady.
Focus
Putting time and energy into the few things that move the business forward.
Application
Turning learning into daily action: the calls, the quotes, the bookkeeping.
Determination
Holding to the goal when old circles, old habits or other people's doubts pull back.
How it's delivered
A mindset session every cycle
Alongside the guest speaker and the enterprise workshop, every two months.
Self-image work
Seeing yourself as a business owner now, and acting from that identity day to day.
Imagination and goal practice
A short daily routine: picture the business already running, then take one concrete step towards it.
Reframing the past
Turning old experiences into a source of strength and insight rather than shame.
Daily habits
A simple journal of goals, wins, setbacks and lessons, reviewed with your lived-experience mentor.
Peer accountability
A founders' circle where progress and setbacks are shared openly.
Rhythm
The two-month cycle
The first cycle covers the idea and the basics. The second covers the business plan, bank account and finance. The third covers launch, first customers and staying compliant.
| When | What happens | Who leads |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Guest speaker session and networking | Guest speaker, Lagits host |
| Week 2 | One-day enterprise workshop and mindset session | Facilitator |
| Weeks 3–8 | Fortnightly business mentor meetings | Matched business mentor |
| Weeks 3–8 | Weekly check-in | Lived-experience mentor |
| Week 6 | Tools clinic: bookkeeping, banking, applications | Facilitator, bank contact |
| Week 8 | Progress review and next-step plan | Lagits, mentors, referrer |
Barriers we solve
Self-employment has its own hurdles
Working for yourself avoids the employer's record check, but brings other barriers. These are covered in the workshop and the mentoring from day one.
Opening a business bank account
Bank manager introductions, help with ID and proof of address, and a letter of support from Lagits.
Business insurance
Guidance on declaring unspent convictions properly and finding specialist insurers.
Licence or order conditions
Plans are checked against conditions, and self-employment is reported to the probation officer, before launch.
Trades that need a licence
Ideas are screened early for trades that involve background checks.
Disclosure to customers
Clear guidance on when a conviction is spent and when it must be declared.
Start-up money
Sponsor-funded kit and small grants, and support applying for start-up loans once the plan is ready.
Benefits
Advice on how moving into self-employment affects Universal Credit, so income doesn't fall off a cliff.
Who it's for
Referral routes
Adults with a conviction who want to work for themselves. Young people aged 16 and 17 can join our employability strand first.
- Probation Service and resettlement teamsAdults on licence or community orders
- Prisons (pre-release)People within months of release
- Youth Justice Services16 to 17-year-olds moving towards adult life
- Jobcentre Plus work coachesUnemployed people with convictions
- Charities, housing and community groupsPeople already supported elsewhere
- Self-referralAnyone ready to build something
More support
Beyond the seven steps
Before release
- Through-the-gate planning with the same mentor inside and out
- A release-day checklist: ID, bank account, NI number, Universal Credit, a first meeting booked
Getting started
- Pitch day: founders pitch to local business owners for start-up grants or kit
- Tool and kit bank to keep start-up costs low
- Starter brand pack: logo, simple website and social media
- Help funding tickets and licences, such as food hygiene or a CSCS card
Trading
- Test trading at market stalls, pop-ups and online
- A directory of graduate businesses for local buyers
- Subcontracting links with construction and maintenance firms
- Sessions on selling online and using AI tools for admin
Growing
- A monthly founders' circle
- Referrals for debt, housing, family and wellbeing support
- Support to take on a first employee
- An annual showcase of graduate businesses
Know someone ready to build something?
Probation officers, prison staff, youth justice teams, charities and individuals can all refer. We'll be in touch to arrange a first conversation.