The Justice Impact Challenge

Building Bridges to Second Chances

Got an idea that could make your community stronger?
The Justice Impact Challenge is your chance to bring it to life. We're funding ____ ideas with $____ each.

This inaugural pitch competition invites justice system-impacted and formerly incarcerated residents of Allegheny County, PA to share bold, community-based ideas that address real problems, including employment and housing to mental health, mentorship, and innovation.

Finalists will pitch their ideas live at the 2026 ACAR Reentry Summit, where a panel of community leaders, funders, and lived-experience experts will award funding and mentorship to help turn those ideas into action.

Winners will join the BreakIT Entrepreneurial Incubator for a year of business support, mentorship, and development, returning to the next year’s Summit to share their progress and impact.

Why Participate?

• Get funded: Win seed funding to kickstart your project, business or nonprofit.
  
  

• Get supported: Receive one year of mentorship, coaching, and resources through the BreakIT Entrepreneurial Incubator.
  
  

• Get seen: Present your work in front of local leaders, funders, and change-makers.
  
  

• Get connected: Join a growing network of justice system-impacted innovators who are turning barriers into breakthroughs.

Who Can Apply?

• Anyone with lived experience in the justice system (incarceration, probation, or reentry).
  
  

• Must live in Allegheny County or have a project that serves its residents.
  
  

• Individuals or teams are welcome.
  
  

• You don’t need a business plan, just a strong idea, a clear purpose, and the drive to make it happen.

How It Works 

1. Apply: Submit your idea online (applications open early 2026).
   
   

2. Pitch Prep: Finalists will receive coaching from BreakIT to refine their idea and presentation.
   
   

3. Live Pitch: Selected finalists will present their ideas at the ACAR Reentry Summit in front of a live audience and judging panel.
   
   

4. Funding & Incubation: Winners receive funding and join the BreakIT incubator for 12 months of structured support.
   
   

5. Showcase: Return to the next Summit to share your progress, impact, and next steps.

Judging & Awards

A panel of local & regional justice system-impacted entrepreneurs, will evaluate pitches based on:

• Community impact
  
  

• Feasibility
  
  

• Innovation & creativity
  
  

• Lived experience leadership
  
  

• Sustainability

Timeline

• Applications open: January 2026
  
  

• Finalists announced: February 2026
  
  

• Pitch event: During the 2026 ACAR Reentry Summit - (Friday March 13th at CCAC Allegheny)
  
  

• Incubation period: 12 months with BreakIT
  
  

• Impact showcase: 2027 Reentry Summit

Partners & Sponsors

The Justice Impact Challenge is a project of BreakIT Entrepreneurial Incubator, with support from community partners, funders, and local businesses committed to equity and inclusion.

Interested in sponsoring or joining the judging panel?
- Contact  [FORM]

Ready to Build a Better Future?

When justice system-impacted people lead, communities heal.
Be part of the first Justice Impact Challenge and show Pittsburgh what reentry leadership looks like.

We Believe in Change™