Since 2022, twelve (12) entrepreneurs who were formally incarcerated have benefited from

TMC’s microloans and/or business support services!

Recipients share testimonies of TMC’s impact via survey!

Summary of a Recipient Survey Response: (2022)

The Trenton Microloan Collaborative has had a profound impact on my business. While I didn’t use the loan funds directly, the real value came from the dedicated support I received from the TMC team. They helped me resolve my tax issues, connect with a pro bono bookkeeper and an affordable accountant, and ultimately restored my peace of mind. Their support has gone beyond business—renewing my hope and faith in people.

Summary of a Recipient Survey Response: (2022) 

The Trenton Microloan Collaborative has been instrumental in helping my business grow and stay afloat. With the loan, I was able to purchase inventory and a point-of-sale system, which helped stabilize operations and support major events like the 2022 Sober Soiree. TMC’s flexible repayment and supportive partners gave me hope and renewed confidence in pursuing my business dreams.

Summary of a Recipient Survey Response: (2023)

The Trenton Microloan Collaborative has been a great support to my business. With the loan, I was able to purchase a much-needed printer and stock materials, which I couldn’t afford on my own. This equipment has made a big difference in my operations. Beyond the financial help, TMC reminded me that there are genuinely kind people who do good for people.

Community Partners Share Testimonies of TMC’s Impact

“As a Trenton Microloan Collaborative (TMC) partner, I have observed the project’s founding team work diligently…to launch and strategically develop this worthy, innovative initiative. Never content with sitting on the sidelines, I have actively served as a trusted, community-based referral source for four of TMC’s nine participants.

TMC’s mission to invest its resources in small business entrepreneurs who returned to the Greater Trenton community from prison is poignant and inspiring. Because of TMC, this deeply stigmatized, underserved group of men and women who are shut out of the commercial lending arena are blessed with the opportunity to improve and expand their businesses and strengthen their business skills.”

-Tracey D. Syphax, Founder & CEO

From the Block to the Boardroom LLC

“I am a prison justice reform advocate and activist and am well-informed about the extreme, difficult re-entry roadblocks experienced by the formerly incarcerated in re-starting their lives and planning for the future.

This mission/ministry of TMC which supports returning citizens to become small business entrepreneurs is both innovative and challenging. As a service model it is a win-win for all  - the formerly incarcerated, their families, local businesses, and the community at large. There is great potential that with wider support, funding, and collaboration….

I have observed the TMC for the past 3 years as it evolves, designs program structures, and builds positive relationships and strong friendships with the vulnerable population which they serve….[t]he opportunity for TMC Board members to support the formerly incarcerated aligns with the call to service for Christians, particularly, as it is delineated in Matthew 25.”

-Barbara F. Flythe, Prison Justice Reform Advocate

Mercer County, New Jersey

“As a Trenton Microloan Collaborative (TMC) partner, I have observed the project’s founding team work diligently over the past three years to launch and strategically develop this worthy, innovative initiative.

TMC’s mission to invest its resources in small business entrepreneurs who returned to the Greater Trenton community from prison is poignant and inspiring….TMC now possesses the potential to scale up its service model and provide zero-interest loans and business skills training to more entrepreneurial business owners.

Andre Thomas, Partner and Program Manager

Renewing the Mind, LLC

“I am a member of the Steering Committee of  the Mass Incarceration Task Force–(MITF), a mission project of Nassau Presbyterian Church which partners with Witherspoon Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church on projects that respond to the many challenges of our carceral system…. TMC is unique among those because it helps returning citizens who are entrepreneurs with start-up capital, guidance, and basic support services.” 

-Virginia Kerr

Testimonials FROM ALL SUPPORTERS