Potential is everywhere. Access is not.
We build pathways to entrepreneurship, ownership, and innovation that drive economic mobility and expand access and opportunity.
We’re creating a future where potential is not limited by access and every entrepreneur has the opportunity to build a thriving business, create wealth, and strengthen their community.
Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills aims to be the catalyst for transformation in Kansas for all entrepreneurs by supporting them through collaborative initiatives, expansive upward mobility resources, and inclusive community engagements.
Reclaim & Rise: The Yuma Street Vision
The Yuma Street Cultural Center is the physical embodiment of BEFH’s mission in action. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s historic Yuma Street neighborhood, the center will honor the legacy of Black resilience, culture, and contribution while creating a powerful future-forward hub for economic empowerment. As the home base for Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, the YSCC will expand our capacity to nurture underrepresented entrepreneurs and deepen our culturally-grounded financial literacy, youth empowerment and arts programming.
Stories of Impact: Learn about our recent grantees
For Gabrielle and Deshawn Fogle, CommerceUplift helped turn knowledge into daily action. Since completing the program, the owners of Empowered Health have continued building stronger systems for their business and were awarded a $2,500 Circle of Community microgrant to support their growth.
What began for Mario and Kristi Baonga at a kitchen table, testing recipes and building a dream, has evolved into Hungry Chickpea, a growing food business strengthened by community, opportunity, and their partnership with the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills.
Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) member Gifted Care Service has been awarded a Small Business Registered Apprenticeship Grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to workforce development.
Through a strategic NIL collaboration featuring Daisy Monie, BEFH helped create a campaign that spotlighted Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., Pink Pixie Marketing, and the power of intentional local partnership.
After completing the CommerceUplift Program in Fall 2025, Kriscendra Baptiste of Gifted Care Service walked away not only with new skills but with a major milestone. Her preparation and strategy earned her the win at the pitch competition, and she is now poised to expand her business from a home care agency to full Home Health services. Kriscendra’s story reflects how CommerceUplift equips entrepreneurs with knowledge, confidence, and real-world results.
After completing the CommerceUplift Program in Fall 2025, Harrison Mitchell of Smokin’ H’s Meats walked away with more than knowledge. He gained practical tools, greater confidence, and a clearer path toward scaling his business. From strengthening his business plan to preparing for future funding opportunities, Harrison’s story reflects the kind of growth CommerceUplift is designed to support.
For Tanze and Ron Stacker, CommerceUplift helped sharpen the strategy behind Stackhouse BBQ Sauce & Seasonings. With clearer financial systems, stronger marketing insight, and a plan for retail growth, they are building toward bigger opportunities for their brand.
As a new practice owner, Dr. Jurdene, founder of Sage & Summit Therapy, explains how the Black Joy Program has helped connect underserved clients to therapy while strengthening culturally responsive care in the community.
When Tyrone, founder of Townsend Counseling Services, reflects on the impact of the Black Joy Program, one theme stands out: access. For many of the couples he serves, the opportunity to engage in counseling is often limited by financial barriers. Through this program, that barrier was lifted.
For Brittany Fielder, owner of Britts Real Estate Services, 2025 marked a powerful turning point. She made the bold decision to go fully self-employed, officially stepping away from the corporate world to focus entirely on building her business on her own terms.
For Linda Murphy Maina, owner of Linda’s Afrikan Kreations, this year brought exciting growth and new opportunities. In September, her business made it to the motherland, connecting her creative work with broader cultural roots, and she welcomed two additional artists to her team.
For Jay and Chantai Purnell, owners of Ryde With Us, the biggest win this year wasn’t just about funding—it was finding a community that truly understood and supported their vision. Through their connection with BEFH, they found the guidance, encouragement, and resources to begin bringing their ideas to life.
For Jessica Andrews, owner of J’s Makeup Artistry, this year has been a breakthrough in growth and engagement. She achieved consistent income and hosted highly successful makeup classes with enthusiastic turnouts, marking a major milestone in the continued success of her business.
For Dr. Chaz Mailey, owner of Manhattan Mental Health Services, LLC, growth is about more than just business—it’s about expanding the care and support his team can provide to the community. Recently, Dr. Mailey celebrated a major milestone: welcoming two new employees to his practice.
Wilfred Gaye of Wilfred Gaye Agency used his Grind & Growth Technical Assistance grant to sharpen both marketing and leadership skills. From harnessing AI and ChatGPT for marketing and content creation to learning the art of setting boundaries, these sessions helped Wilfred grow personally and professionally. This grant enabled him to build stronger systems, boost confidence, and create strategies that support sustainable business growth.
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We are a tax-exempt 501c3 non-profit organization.
Equitable Entrepreneurship Insights & News from BEFH
Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) has been named the 2026 Organizational Health Champion by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Wellness (GCOW) during the 2026 Kansas Community Health Promotion Summit in Olathe, Kansas.
Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) was recently recognized on the Kansas Senate floor for its work in preserving the historic Shepard Chapel and advancing the vision for the Yuma Street Cultural Center & Entrepreneur Hub.
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Learn about our Programs
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”
— Booker T. Washington
Words from our members
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"BEFH believed in me when I was ready to give up
Through their support, I was able to launch and grow Gifted Care Service LLC, improve my financial stability, and access the mentorship and healing I needed to continue moving forward. The CommerceUplift cohort gave me real business training, strategy, and tools that I was able to immediately apply to my business. The knowledge from this program truly positioned Gifted Care Service for growth and expansion, and I highly recommend it to any entrepreneur ready to level up.”
-Kriscendra Baptiste, Owner, Gifted Care Service
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"BEFH has been transformational for both my business and personal well-being.
From winning the BEFH pitch competition and growing the CJD Servant Leadership Academy internationally to receiving culturally competent support through the Black Joy is Healing program, BEFH has provided the resources, mentorship, and community that helped me lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose.”
— Dr. Crystal J. Davis, Founder & CEO, CJD Consulting Solutions, LLC -
"BEFH has taught me a lot in business.
The organization has connections with a lot of people that has helped me to grow my business. This is unity. We are family working to uplift each other."
- Harrison Mitchell, Owner of Smokin' H's Meats
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BEFH has played a pivotal role in the growth of Hungry Chickpea
“… not only through financial support as Circle of Community grant recipients, but by helping expand what our own “circle of community” looks like. When we first started, that circle could fit around our kitchen table — where we were testing recipes, dreaming, and building the foundation of our business. Through BEFH, that circle has grown into one of connection, collaboration, and opportunity. From catering last year’s gala — which introduced our business to a broader audience — to being recommended for additional catering partnerships and community events, BEFH has consistently opened doors we could not have accessed alone. Programs like the Commerce Uplift Cohort provided mentorship, resources, and confidence that strengthened our path forward.”
-Hungry Chickpea, Mario & Kristi Baonga
