Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills Celebrate National Black Business Month with Curated Events and Initiatives
Manhattan, Kan. – August 5, 2024 – Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) is celebrating National Black Business Month by engaging, equipping and empowering Black and socially-disadvantaged businesses in Northeast Kansas.
National Black Business Month raises awareness of the challenges Black entrepreneurs face, while celebrating their contributions and fostering community support to drive equitable growth and opportunity. “Our businesses are twice as likely to be denied loans, make less revenue, and are more likely to fail within the first 18 months,” stated Sheila Ellis-Glasper, Co-Founder and Executive Director of BEFH. “Entrepreneurship and ownership are crucial in narrowing the racial wealth gap. When Black businesses underperform or fail, it widens the gap and costs us all. We need systemic solutions to support our businesses with the resources and opportunities they need.”
This August will be filled with a series of exciting events and networking opportunities, including the much-anticipated 3rd Annual Melanin Market, designed to showcase the vibrant and diverse talents and businesses in Northeast Kansas.
Melanin Market
Melanin Market is set to take place on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the newly rennovated and historic Union Hall, 328 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502. This highly-curated marketplace, filled with creativity and craftsmanship, will feature a diverse array of Black-owned products– from handcrafted candles, to luxurious cosmetics, mouth-watering soul food and more. Beyond the shopping experience, Melanin Market is an opportunity to engage directly with passionate entrepreneurs and learn about the inspiring stories behind Black-owned businesses in the local Manhattan and surrounding community. The vibrant atmosphere will be enhanced with music from the Michael T. Brown Jazz Trio and a cash bar from Union Hall. Registration is not required by highly encouraged. See more information at https://bit.ly/melaninmarket24.
BEFH Member Directory
BEFH is thrilled to announce changes and improvements to the organization's member directory, designed to enhance visibility for Black-owned businesses. The revamped directory features an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and discover local Black-owned businesses. The BEFH Directory can be viewed at www.blackflinthills.com.
Access to Capital Q&A
BEFH is partnering with Spark MHK, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Washburn Small Business Development Center and Network Kansas to host an Access to Capital Q&A – an engaging event where local entrepreneurs can learn about new loan programs, support, and resources to help grow their business. This free event is open to all entrepreneurs and includes dinner on Thursday, August 15th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Free registration required: https://bit.ly/accesstocapitalqanda.
A Call to Action
BEFH invites the community to pledge support by investing in local, black, socially and economically-disadvantaged businesses and becoming part of the BEFH Circle of Community. “By simply making a gift of $10 or more, you can assist in our goal of narrowing the racial wealth gap through equitable entrepreneurship and ownership,” Ellis-Glasper stated, “Together, we can drive lasting change, uplift communities, and build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Event Details
Melanin Market
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024
Time: 3:30 to 7 p.m.
Location: Union Hall MHK, 328 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502
Access to Capital Q&A
Date: Thursday, August 15
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, 501 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502
About Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills
The Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering black entrepreneurs through access to culturally competent and responsive education, capital, and networking opportunities. BEFH is committed to building a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In the past year, BEFH has granted over $65k to northeast Kansas black and socially disadvantaged businesses. Learn more about BEFH grantees: https://www.blackflinthills.com/grantees. BEFH is a Kansas Health Foundation Building Power to Equity partner, a graduate of the Kauffman Foundation Inaugural ESO Leadership Lab, and is a part of the National League of Cities, City Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program.