Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills Works to Support and Retain Black-Owned Business in Region

Originally published on Dec 08, 2021 on greatermanhattan.org

An organization in the Greater Manhattan region is addressing the disparities in resources that make it difficult for Black-owned businesses to thrive. The group, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, was formally founded in 2020 and has experienced tremendous growth since its inception.

Founder and president Sheila Ellis-Glasper said the organization’s mission is to “empower, equip and connect Black business owners in the Flint Hills with resources so we can build stronger and more effective businesses and positively impact our community.”

The volunteer-based group partners with regional and state entities to provide resources to minority-owned businesses. The group also aims to recruit and retain Black entrepreneurs to the region by creating an inclusive community in which they can belong and thrive. Finally, the group aims to promote its member businesses and other Black-owned businesses in the region so that community members can intentionally support these companies and support long-term change.