Kansas City Municipal Court, Clear Tomorrow KC: Turning Justice-Involved Individuals into Entrepreneurs.

Media Invitation: Members of the media are invited to learn more about the program at an informational briefing, and participants sign up during Wellness Court:
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at 2 p.m.
OR
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Kansas City Municipal Court: 511 E. 11th Street, Kansas City, MO
Court leaders and representatives from Clear Tomorrow KC will be available for interviews and to discuss the initiative's impact.

"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."

Beginning October 8, 2026, participants referred through Wellness Court will receive weekly virtual business training, coaching, wraparound support services, and access to a Google Career Certificate scholarship. The program will culminate in a public Pitch Day and Graduation in December, where participants will present their business ideas and compete for startup funding through the Clear Path Business Launch Fund.

Wellness Court merges drug court and mental health court under one umbrella to serve the whole person.
The Academy is a partnership between Kansas City Municipal Court, Clear Tomorrow KC, and Beyond the Bench, the 501(c)(3) that supports Kansas City Specialty Courts, with a shared goal of expanding opportunity, reducing barriers to employment, and promoting self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.

"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 pilot cohort will serve 15 to 20 participants and provide instruction on business planning, financial management, marketing, customer development, and business launch strategies.