Commerce Uplift Stories of Success: Smokin’ H's Meats

At Smokin’ H's Meats, growth is a journey that requires strategy, support, and determination. Owner Harrison Mitchell completed the 12-week CommerceUplift Program in Fall 2025 and describes the experience as transformational for both his business and his skills as an entrepreneur.

Harrison found the support sessions extremely helpful. He especially valued the guidance on business planning, structure, and financial management.

“Working on my business plan and financials is really going to help me scale my business to the next level,” he shared. These sessions gave him actionable tools to refine his operations and confidently take his business to new heights.

The guest speaker presentations were another highlight. Harrison described them as extremely valuable. He noted that Facilitator Teresa Parks’ engaging approach, blending practical advice with humor, made learning enjoyable and manageable. “Taking a class for your business can be overwhelming, but her positive attitude and jokes helped with my stress level,” he said.

By the end of the program, Harrison felt very prepared for the pitch competition. He found the feedback he received during the event extremely helpful in refining his business strategy. He also praised the CommerceUplift Graduation event, calling it excellent and noting that his understanding of business strategy, scaling, and funding opportunities had significantly improved.

Key takeaways for Harrison included business strategy, access to funding, and financial management. Since completing the program, those lessons have already led to tangible results. Harrison was approved for the Network Kansas Empower Loan Fund, giving Smokin’ H’s Meats added momentum as the business continues to grow.

“I could not have done it without the support of the organization and the business classes.”

The networking and peer-to-peer learning within his cohort were equally valuable. Harrison highlighted ongoing mentorship. “The whole organization has been a great mentor for me and is still helping even after the classes. Business is not just a twelve-week program. It is an everyday lifestyle change, and there is always more to learn,” he said.

When asked if he would recommend CommerceUplift to other entrepreneurs, Harrison’s answer was simple: “Yes. All I can say is thank you for the experience.”

Harrison’s story is one of many demonstrating how the CommerceUplift Program empowers entrepreneurs with knowledge, confidence, community, and practical strategies to grow and sustain their businesses.