Investing in Equitable Entrepreneurship: Meet the 2025 Circle of Community Grant Recipients

Left to right: Kiondra Armstrong, Jackee Johnson, Cierra Marrero, Crystal Davis, Cheisa Myles, Kristi and Mario Baonga.

Addressing the Opportunity Gap in Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a proven pathway to economic mobility, but systemic barriers create an opportunity gap that makes it significantly harder for some business owners to succeed.

The Challenge: While entrepreneurship rates among historically underrepresented groups continue to rise, the survival rate of Black-owned businesses is significantly lower than the national average. Studies show that 8 out of 10 Black-owned businesses don’t make it past their first 18 months, primarily due to disparities in:
✅ Access to capital – Black entrepreneurs receive less than 2% of all venture capital funding and are often denied traditional loans at higher rates than their counterparts.
✅ Access to networks – Social and professional networks play a critical role in business success, yet BIPOC entrepreneurs often lack equitable access to mentorship and business ecosystems.
✅ Business support – Many entrepreneurs face challenges navigating complex business infrastructure, from financial management to marketing and scaling operations.

The Opportunity: By addressing these gaps through culturally responsive training, funding access, and strategic partnerships, we can unlock the full economic potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs.

BEFH’s Role: Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) is committed to closing this gap by providing business education, microgrants, mentorship, and a collaborative community to help entrepreneurs build sustainable enterprises.

Let’s bridge the opportunity gap together—because when all businesses thrive, our entire economy benefits.

This year, we are proud to award six outstanding businesses with a $1,500 grant, along with ongoing technical assistance and mentorship. These entrepreneurs are not only growing their own businesses but also making an impact in their communities.

Meet the 2025 Circle of Community Grant Recipients

Mario & Kristi Baonga – Hungry Chickpea

A family-owned culinary business bringing fresh, flavorful, and plant-based Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to the Flint Hills. Their passion for high-quality ingredients and bold flavors is redefining plant-based eating in our community.

“This grant will allow us to expand our operations and reach more customers who are looking for nutritious, delicious plant-based options,” says Kristi. “Our goal is to continue elevating the local food scene and creating more opportunities for diverse culinary experiences.”

Dr. Crystal Davis – CJD Consulting

Dr. Davis is committed to helping businesses and organizations build strong, inclusive workplace cultures through DEI strategy, leadership training, and executive coaching. Her work fosters environments where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered.

“We will use these funds to increase access to our leadership and DEI workshops for small businesses, so they can foster environments that support diverse and inclusive workspaces,” Dr. Davis shares. “This investment means a step toward greater equity in the business world.”

Cheisa Myles – Blessed Assurance Daycare

A nurturing and faith-based childcare center dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for young children. Blessed Assurance Daycare focuses on early childhood development, education, and holistic care, ensuring that every child receives the love, guidance, and foundation they need to thrive.

“This grant will help us enhance our learning environment and purchase additional resources for our children,” says Cheisa. “We are committed to providing high-quality childcare that nurtures both the mind and spirit.”

Cierra Marrero – Simply Cierra

Specializing in custom artwork and large-scale murals, Simply Cierra helps businesses and communities bring their visions to life through bold, meaningful designs. From transforming storefronts to creating statement pieces, her work enhances branding and visibility.

💬 “This grant will allow me to purchase a used van to transport paint supplies and equipment for on-site commissions, making my work more efficient and expanding opportunities to help businesses market themselves through impactful visual art.”

Kiondra Armstrong – Embrace Beauty Studio & Spa

A full-service salon and spa that encourages individuals to embrace their natural beauty and confidence. Kiondra’s studio provides personalized beauty services that empower clients to feel and look their best.

“This grant will help us upgrade our salon space and offer new services to enhance the client experience,” says Kiondra. “We want our clients to feel empowered every time they walk through our doors.”

Jackee Johnson – Blessed Hands Braiding

With over a decade of experience, Jackee has built a thriving braiding business that provides culturally significant and professional hair care services. Her work is about more than hair—it’s about preserving tradition and building confidence in her clients.

“This funding will allow me to invest in better equipment and expand my business to serve more clients,” Jackee shares. “Braiding is more than a hairstyle—it’s a form of self-expression and a celebration of our culture.”

Building a Stronger Community Together

At BEFH, we believe that when we invest in Black entrepreneurs, we invest in our community’s future. These business owners are breaking barriers, creating jobs, and shaping industries, and we’re proud to support their journey.

The Circle of Community Grant Program is just one of the ways we are working to bridge the racial wealth gap, provide access to capital, and empower Black businesses for long-term success.

To learn more about the grant program and how you can support Black entrepreneurs, visit here.