Answers to the questions we hear most often.

A social enterprise is a profit-generating business whose social mission is expressed through the very work it does. At Unlocked Ventures, our social enterprises are real businesses run entirely by individuals with conviction histories, profitable precisely because the people within them know they matter, feel that they belong, and are always treated with dignity.

We hire individuals with conviction histories who have experienced significant barriers to employment. Unlocked Ventures works directly with the Ingham County Jail and Ingham County parole and probation offices to identify individuals who are ready to begin or restart their employment journey.

The first social enterprise is a kitting and packaging operation. Every future enterprise is selected against a consistent set of criteria — accessible to individuals with conviction histories, compatible with a trauma-informed workplace culture, low startup costs relative to early revenue potential, and capable of generating consistent profit.

Every social enterprise is a trauma-informed workplace designed from the ground up with intention. Soft colors, natural light, and an environment free of anything that echoes an institutional setting are foundational. Leadership carries an active awareness of the sensory environment and is led by someone with lived experience of incarceration and reentry.

Development within each enterprise is responsive to the individual. Each enterprise operates at a pace and scale where individuals can find their footing and grow without being overwhelmed. Leadership is attuned to where each person is and what they need, because the pace of growth belongs to the person doing the growing.

Success is a workforce that develops from within, consistent profit, operations that sustain themselves, and a reputation earned through the quality of what the enterprise produces. A self sustaining enterprise generates enough to fund its own growth, replenish the venture fund, and return profits to the investors who made it possible.

Unlocked Ventures raises investment from Michigan residents and deploys it to launch social enterprises. As those enterprises generate profit, a small portion is retained to sustain the fund and its operations. The remaining profits are distributed annually to investors in equal amounts per unit. As more enterprises are launched and reach profitability, the annual distribution pool may grow.

Investments are made in units priced at $250 each. Michigan residents may invest up to $10,000 without any additional qualification. Investors who qualify as accredited investors as defined by Rule 501 of SEC Regulation D, 17 CFR 230.501, may invest beyond that limit. Every unit participates in annual distributions on identical terms.

The maximum cumulative return per unit is $1,000 — four times the $250 purchase price. If profits are generated, they are distributed annually in equal portions per unit following the close of each fiscal year. Distributions are not guaranteed and depend on the performance of the social enterprises within the fund. Once a unit reaches its $1,000 ceiling, it is retired from the distribution pool.

Distributions received from Unlocked Ventures may be subject to federal and state income tax. Each year, investors will receive an annual distribution notice documenting any amounts paid to them. A Form 1099 will be issued where required. Investors are encouraged to consult a qualified tax advisor regarding how distributions are treated for their individual tax situation. Unlocked Ventures does not provide tax advice.

This offering is made under the Michigan Invests Locally Exemption (M.I.L.E.), established under MCL 451.2202a, which allows Michigan residents to invest in Michigan businesses without federal securities registration. Unlocked Ventures has filed both an exemption notice and a website operator notice with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. A full disclosure statement has been filed with LARA and is available for review on this site.