Kyle J. Smith

Carney Brother’s Contracting: Raval & Rafiel Carney

by Kyle J. Smith
March 17, 2022March 21, 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! Meet… Read More »

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

by Kyle J. Smith
March 9, 2022May 13, 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! Here’s… Read More »

10 tips for starting a business after prison

by Kyle J. Smith
March 3, 2022March 3, 2022

Since we launched in 2018, we’ve worked with hundreds of men and women on their reentry journey, many of whom were working to start or… 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 »

Applications are open: Rise Up, Get Started Matching Grant program

by Kyle J. Smith
January 7, 2022January 7, 2022

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for our 2022 Rise Up, Get Started Matching Grant program for formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs running… Read More »

Robert started a business after prison

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

Determination, Incorporated is a nonprofit in KCMO helping formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs like Robert start and grow businesses so that they can become leaders in their… Read More »

Formerly Incarcerated Entrepreneurs join Determination, Incorporated Board of Directors

by Kyle J. Smith
October 26, 2021October 26, 2021

Determination, Incorporated came out of 2020 in a stronger position than we have ever been before. The second chance entrepreneurs we’ve been working with in… 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 »

“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 »