Tag: Kyle J. Smith

Kyle J. Benson-Smith, Rise Up, Get Started, Determination, Incorporated

‘Rise Up, Get Started’ shifts to matching grant program for formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / February 20, 2021

Rather than continue as an entrepreneurship competition for formerly incarcerated people, “Rise Up, Get Started” is pivoting to a matching grant program that supports more individuals seeking a new path through small business, said Kyle J. Benson-Smith.  “I was inspired by hearing the stories of second chance entrepreneurs from folks who were starting successful businesses…

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Kyle Smith, Determination Incorporated; and Sarah Muntean, All American Construction Contractors

Rise Up, Get Started winners: Building a second chance as job market sputters

By Tommy Felts / June 25, 2020

A slowly recovering job market is pushing more people — many of whom previously didn’t imagine ever running their own businesses — into entrepreneurship, said Kyle J. Smith. “The Kauffman Foundation would say they’re starting a business out of necessity rather than choice,” Smith elaborated, describing the importance of programs that provide a second chance…

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Kyle Smith, Determination, Incorporated, Rise Up Get Started

Fund Me, KC: ‘Rise Up, Get Started’ competitions give spotlight to formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / November 7, 2018

Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like startup community leader founder Kyle J. Smith’s Rise Up, Get Started campaign— to share their crowdfunding stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Who are you? I am Kyle J Smith, founder of…

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Kate Spade Kyle Smith

Kyle J Smith: Creating hope in a dark place; a reflection on the passing of Kate Spade

By Tommy Felts / June 8, 2018

Editor’s note: Kyle J Smith, an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder in Kansas City, reflects on fashion designer Kate Spade, 55, who died Tuesday of suicide. Born Katherine Brosnahan in Kansas City, Missouri, she went on to build a widely successful business and brand that carried her name. My heart broke when I heard about Kate Spade’s…

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Cristle Reed, Heartshaped Clothing, 1 Million Cups

1 Million Cups celebrating black startups with all black founders, experts in February

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2018

A lineup of all black presenters and experts at February’s 1 Million Cups events aims for exposure and awareness about Kansas City’s thriving community of black entrepreneurs, said Adrienne Haynes. “Many of these companies are not necessarily tech-based. They might not be at Plexpod or WeWork. Many of them have their own facilities — maybe…

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