Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Justice Impact Challenge?
The Justice Impact Challenge is a countywide pitch competition for justice system impacted and formerly incarcerated residents of Allegheny County. It gives participants the opportunity to share community-driven ideas that create positive change, receive funding, mentorship, and a year of business incubation through BreakIT Entrepreneurial Incubator. Progress and outcomes will be shared the following year at the ACAR Reentry Summit.

Why are we doing this?
We believe that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. By supporting justice system-impacted innovators, we help communities heal, create opportunity, and strengthen reentry outcomes across Allegheny County.

Eligibility

Do I have to have been incarcerated to apply?
No. Anyone who has been impacted by the criminal justice system (including those who’ve been on probation/parole) is eligible to apply.

What does “justice system-impacted” mean?
We use “justice system-impacted” to include anyone affected by the criminal legal system, whether through incarceration, probation, parole, arrest, etc. This includes as a juvenile or as an adult or both.

Do I need to live in Allegheny County?
Yes. You must either live in Allegheny County or have a project that directly serves Allegheny County residents.

What if I’ve never pitched before?
No problem. You’ll get coaching and support before the event to help you feel ready and confident.

Can I apply as part of a team?
Yes! Teams are welcome. Just make sure that at least one team member has lived experience in the justice system.

Can organizations apply?
This opportunity is primarily for individuals and small teams, but community organizations are welcome to partner with applicants or provide mentorship.

Application & Pitch Process

Do I need a business background to apply?
No! We’re looking for passion, creativity, and a desire to make change. BreakIT will help you shape your idea into a viable project or business.

Do I need a full business plan to apply?
No. We’re looking for strong ideas and people ready to make a difference. BreakIT will help you shape your idea into something fundable and sustainable.

What kinds of ideas are you looking for?
Anything that helps solve a problem in your community, from job creation to reentry support, social impact projects, etc.

What happens after I apply?
Applications are reviewed by a diverse selection committee of lived-experience leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners. Finalists will be invited to a pitch prep program led by BreakIT to help refine their ideas and build presentation confidence.

What’s the pitch event like?
Finalists will present their ideas live at the ACAR Reentry Summit before a panel of judges and a community audience. Each participant will have a few minutes to share their vision, followed by Q&A from judges.

How many winners will be selected?
It depends on the number and quality of submissions, but multiple winners are expected to receive funding and be offered the opportunity to join BreakIT Entrepreneurial Incubator for one year of support.

Already leading a nonprofit or small business?
The Justice Impact Challenge isn’t just for new ideas; it’s also about new possibilities! If you’re justice-impacted and already doing the work, this is your chance to grow your impact, pilot a new idea, or reach more people with support from BreakIT. 

Funding & Support

How much funding can I win?
Exact award amounts will be announced closer to the event. Winners will receive seed funding to help launch or scale their projects, along with 12 months of business development support through BreakIT.

What kind of support will I receive?
In addition to funding, winners join the BreakIT Entrepreneurial Incubator, where they receive:

• One-on-one mentorship

• Workshops on entrepreneurship and leadership

• Trauma-informed coaching

• Access to a network of funders and community leaders

How will the prize money be distributed?

Prize funds are not given as a lump sum. Instead, winners will have access to their funding in phases throughout the year as they develop their business, organization or project. 

Will I get access to all the prize money?

Yes, absolutely.
The full amount is yours, it’s simply distributed over time as your idea grows and your needs evolve.

Do I have to join the BreakIT incubator to receive the money?

Yes. Prize funding is tied to participation in the incubator. The incubator is what helps transform your idea into a sustainable business organization or project.

What if I need help managing money or budgeting?

BreakIT’s incubator provides coaching around financial planning, budgeting, and goal-setting.
You’ll have support every step of the way.

Can funds be used for rent, bills, or personal needs?

Prize funds must be used for your project organization or project. IE, tools, supplies, equipment, branding, technology, certifications, etc.
BreakIT will help you identify what qualifies.

If you need help with personal needs, BreakIT may help connect you to other resources.

Will I have to give up ownership of my idea?
No. Your idea remains 100% yours. We are here to support, not control, your project.

Event & Participation

When is the pitch event?
The live pitch will take place during the 2026 ACAR Reentry Summit on Friday, March 13th at CCAC Allegheny Campus. The exact details will be announced early next year.

Can the public attend?
Yes! The pitch event will be open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend, support, and celebrate the finalists.

Will the event be livestreamed or recorded?
We plan to record and/or livestream the event so that supporters across the county can tune in.

Partnerships & Sponsorship

How can my organization support this initiative?
Organizations and businesses can support by becoming sponsors, serving as panelists or mentors, or contributing in-kind resources such as space, media, or professional services.

Who can I contact about partnership or sponsorship?
Please contact us to discuss sponsorship levels or partnership opportunities. You may do so [HERE].

Impact

What happens after the challenge?
Winners will spend a year developing their ideas through the BreakIT Entrepreneurial Incubator, then return to the next ACAR Reentry Summit to showcase their progress and impact. Continued support will be available for all participants.

How will this benefit Allegheny County?
By investing in justice system-impacted residents, we help create safer, more connected, and economically inclusive communities, led by those who know the challenges best.

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™