Kyle J. Smith
‘Rise Up, Get Started’ shifts to matching grant program for formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs
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…
Rise Up, Get Started winners: Building a second chance as job market sputters
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…
Fund Me, KC: ‘Rise Up, Get Started’ competitions give spotlight to formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs
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…
Kyle J Smith: Creating hope in a dark place; a reflection on the passing of Kate Spade
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…
1 Million Cups celebrating black startups with all black founders, experts in February
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…
