Kansas City, Missouri – For some people leaving the justice system, the biggest challenge is not deciding to change direction. It is finding a real opportunity once they try. Kansas City leaders are testing a different answer: instead of waiting for an employer to open a door, help participants learn how to build a business of their own.
The Kansas City Municipal Court and Clear Tomorrow KC are launching the first Clear Path Enterprise Academy, an eight-week entrepreneurship program created for participants in the court’s Wellness Court. The pilot will serve 15 to 20 people, combining business education with career development and support aimed at long-term financial stability.
The program begins Oct. 8, 2026. Participants referred through Wellness Court will take part in weekly virtual business training, coaching and wraparound support services. They will also have access to a Google Career Certificate scholarship.
Training will cover the practical steps involved in moving an idea toward an operating business. Topics include business planning, financial management, marketing, customer development and strategies for launching a company.
“Too often, people come home from the justice system ready to do something different, only to find that the doors to opportunity are still closed,” said Johnny Waller Jr., Founder & CEO, Clear Tomorrow KC.
“Clear Path Enterprise Academy is about helping people build their own door. We’re giving justice-impacted entrepreneurs the tools, technology, financial guidance, and support to turn an idea into a legitimate business and a second chance into something they can own. This is the business of second chances.”
The Academy grew from an idea court officials say they hear directly from participants. Wellness Court combines drug court and mental health court under one system intended to address participants’ broader needs rather than treating those challenges separately.
“Clear Path Enterprise Academy represents a new approach to supporting justice-involved individuals as they build successful futures,” said Presiding Judge Courtney Wachal. “Wellness Court participants frequently mention their desire to start their own business, and now we are giving them the tools to do so.”
The initiative is a partnership involving Municipal Court, Clear Tomorrow KC and Beyond the Bench, the nonprofit organization that supports Kansas City Specialty Courts. Together, the organizations say they are working to reduce employment barriers, expand economic opportunity and encourage self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.
Before classes begin, participants can sign up during Wellness Court on Thursday, Sept. 24, or Thursday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. at Kansas City Municipal Court, 511 E. 11th Street. Members of the media are also invited to attend informational briefings on those dates, with court leaders and Clear Tomorrow KC representatives available for interviews.
The eight-week program will conclude in December with a public Pitch Day and Graduation. Participants will present their business ideas and compete for startup funding through the Clear Path Business Launch Fund, turning weeks of planning and instruction into a chance to take the next step toward launching a business.
