Tag: Leslie Walton

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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Leslie Walton, Determination Incorporated

Inclusion Open funding helps Determination Incorporated reunite KCSourceLink alums

By Tommy Felts / July 31, 2019

Within days of securing funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Inclusion Open, Determination Incorporated is expanding its team, the nonprofit announced Wednesday.  “We are so thankful to the Kauffman Foundation and excited to announce that Leslie Walton, an experienced entrepreneurial ecosystem builder in KC, is joining the team in support of our mission,” Johnny…

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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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