j.j. ram berg. welcome to "your business" where we give you tips and advice to help your business grow. this week, nbc news is taking a closer look at the state of our education nation. since we're kicking off this week-long series for msnbc, we wanted to tell you about a unique educational experience for some budding entrepreneurs in the pacific northwest. this is no ordinary program. and it's not for everyone. all of the students are women and they're all convicted fellens who are currently serving time behind bars. at the coffee creek correctional facility in oregon, once a week you'll hear a conversation like this. >> sitting there whether you're busy or not, is she a cost or expense? >> expense. >> welcome to life or life-long information for entrepreneurs, it's a 32-session course teaching female inmates at this minimum security campus how to start and run their own companies. >> effective communication involves active listening to understand what others are sayings, feeling and needing. >> even though some of the women have been convicted of crimes like attempted murder, assault