I've been out of prison for a year and a half and I really wuld like to open my own business as well as give back to the community. My goal is to open a recording studio(slash)tattoo parlor and also invest in a franchise business. Wut wuld be the most ideal direction I shuld take in regards to choosing a lending institution?

The first step will be business plans to present to lending institutions. No one is going to lend money unless they know what your plans are.

A franchise business is an "easier" investment IF the franchise company offers financing and IF it approves you.