Blog

“Re-write the narrative for myself.”

by Kyle J. Smith
July 14, 2021July 18, 2021

A transcript of Jamon Buford’s presentation to the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership program members on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Pictured above (left)… Read More »

Meet the second chance entrepreneurs in the inaugural Rise up, Get Started Matching Grant cohort

by Kyle J. Smith
April 3, 2021August 18, 2021

It is an honor to introduce you to the inaugural cohort of the Rise Up, Get Started Matching Grant Program. These 16 second chance entrepreneurs… Read More »

“My tattoo says home.”

by Kyle J. Smith
December 17, 2020December 17, 2020

The following is a personal essay written by Kyle J Smith, Executive Director of Determination, Incorporated, on September 12, 2020. Scroll to the bottom for… Read More »

Rise Up, Get Started Entrepreneurship Competition Startups

Meet the winners of our Rise Up, Get Started Entrepreneurship Competition

by Kyle J. Smith
June 18, 2020June 18, 2020

On Tuesday evening we wrapped up our business grant competition with the Rise Up, Get Started Entrepreneurship Showcase on Facebook Live. You can watch the entire broadcast now… Read More »

A statement on #JusticeforAll in light of George Floyd’s murder, from Kyle J Smith, Executive Director of Determination, Incorporated

by Kyle J. Smith
June 4, 2020June 11, 2020

We stand by your brothers and sisters in Kansas City and across the nation who are working hard and standing up for justice and peace. … Read More »

Robert Miller, ROMElectric & Smart Home Automation

by Kyle J. Smith
July 18, 2021July 18, 2021

Robert Miller grew up in KCK and started doing electrical work installing car radios for his neighbors. After a series of bad decisions, Robert landed… Read More »

Rise Up, Get Started Matching Grant program for formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs

by Kyle J. Smith
February 26, 2021July 18, 2021

Welcome to the Rise Up, Get Started entrepreneurship matching grant program for formerly incarcerated people. Thank you for your interest and for doing good for… Read More »

Michael Pulliam, Beyond Compare Cleaning

by Kyle J. Smith
July 17, 2020July 17, 2020

Today marks three months since Michael Pulliam got out of prison. He returned to St. Louis and immediately got to work alongside his mother, Sylvia,… Read More »

Meet the rise up, Get Started entrepreneurship competition startups

by Kyle J. Smith
June 11, 2020June 11, 2020

These 15 folks will pitch their business to a panel of judges for the chance to win a $1000 grant. Because of the incredible turn out,… Read More »

Michael Pulliam, Beyond Compare Cleaning

by Kyle J. Smith
May 14, 2020May 14, 2020

Today marks three months since Michael Pulliam got out of prison. He returned to St. Louis and immediately got to work alongside his mother, Sylvia,… Read More »