Blog

10 questions about the criminal justice system worth exploring

by Kyle J. Smith
September 22, 2022October 18, 2022

Kyle here, Founder and Executive Director of Determination, Incorporated. It’s been a season of reflection and planning here at our organization. As I look back… Read More »

Meet the 2022 Rise Up, Get Started Matching Grant program cohort

by Kyle J. Smith
March 9, 2022December 16, 2022

We are so excited to introduce you to the second chance entrepreneurs participating in our Rise Up, Get Started Matching Grant program this year! More… Read More »

10 Business Books to Get Your Idea Off the Ground

by Kyle J. Smith
February 23, 2022February 23, 2022

Entrepreneurship is a process of thinking, doing, and dreaming. If you’re not in a position to start “doing” right away, or before you quit your… Read More »

“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 »

JUNETEENTH T-SHIRT BY DETERMINATION, INCORPORATED

by Kyle J. Smith
June 5, 2021May 12, 2022

ORDER YOUR T SHIRT NOW: $25 (+tax & fees) On June 19, 1865, two years after President Abe Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, word finally… Read More »

3 things we learned while serving formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs in 2022

by Kyle J. Smith
January 2, 2023January 2, 2023

In 2022, we worked with 50 formerly incarcerated people every month on average to help them on their entrepreneurial journeys. In prisons and on Zoom,… Read More »

Superb Transit: Dewayne Stovall

by Diamond Fuse
December 5, 2022December 6, 2022

We are so excited to introduce you to second chance entrepreneur Dewayne Stovall, owner of Superb Transit in Kansas City, a trucking company moving parcels… Read More »

LRG COMMERCIAL CONTRACTING + LADIES THAT LEAN: LATANYA SKILLERN

by Diamond Fuse
November 29, 2022November 29, 2022

Today’s second chance entrepreneur highlight features Latanya Skillern who this year started LRG Commercial Contracting, an interior painting, cleaning, and janitorial services business and founded… Read More »

Meet the newest members of the kc chamber of commerce

by Kyle J. Smith
November 15, 2022November 15, 2022

Thanks to our incredible partnership with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce W.O.R.C. Initiative, we are pleased to announce that 9 second chance entrepreneurs… Read More »

Restoring democracy, restoring dignity

by Kyle J. Smith
October 18, 2022October 18, 2022

Raymond Walker, a second chance entrepreneur that we met in our in-prison workshop who returned home in 2020, recently completed parole and is now a… Read More »

Michael Melcher & Tyler Robinson: Rock Solid Coaching and Consulting

by Diamond Fuse
October 6, 2022October 6, 2022

Today’s second chance entrepreneur highlight features Michael Melcher and Tyler Robinson, owners of Rock Solid Coaching and Consulting. Michael and Tyler started ROCK Solid Coaching… Read More »

RAYMOND WALKER: MAINLINE GRUB UP

by Diamond Fuse
September 19, 2022September 19, 2022

Today’s second chance entrepreneur highlight is very, very special to us. Meet Raymond Walker, owner of Mainline Grub Up, pictured above with his wife, Dominique.… Read More »

Ron Brown: Goldman Lewis and Browne + Pro Risk Security

by Diamond Fuse
September 9, 2022September 9, 2022

Ron Brown is the owner of Goldman Lewis and Browne (GLB) which started in 2018 and shortly after acquired Pro Risk Security. GLB is a small… Read More »

Craig Lark: Craig & Them Food Truck

by Kyle J. Smith
August 24, 2022August 24, 2022

Today we’re catching up with Craig Lark, owner of Craig & Them Food Truck and Catering. Craig participated in our 2021 Rise Up, Get Started… Read More »