Building Businesses.

Building Equity.

Building Access.

 

Access to capital is the most pressing challenge black founders face when starting, growing, and operating businesses. Our Circle of Community Black Business Grant Program is a solution to assist local, black-owned businesses in the Flint Hills with accessing financial support. Grantees will also participate in training, mentoring, and technical assistance programs to support business growth.

We are honored to support the growth of black, socially and economically-disadvantaged through our Circle of Community Grant, Black & Bankable Technical Assistance Grant, Pitch Competitions as well as our partnership with Network Kansas’ Empower Minority Business Pitch Competition. Below is a listing our our grantees to date.

Spotlight on Success! Hear from our grantees

Featured
From Recovery to Sweet Success
From Recovery to Sweet Success

Edisha Coleman, known as The Cake Artist, has transformed her life and discovered her passion for cake artistry through an unexpected journey. With the support from BEFH and $5,000 in pitch winnings, her business has blossomed into a successful home-based cake business specializing in hyperrealistic, sculpted, and novelty cakes. Edisha’s story is one of resilience, faith, and artistic expression, serving as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity.

Transforming Spaces with Style: Kiki’s Events
Transforming Spaces with Style: Kiki’s Events

In the Flint Hills, where community and culture blend seamlessly, Victoria Mutinda, affectionately known as Kiki, has established herself as a standout entrepreneur. As the founder of Kiki’s Events, Kiki has turned her passion for balloon artistry into a flourishing business. In this interview, she shares her journey, the significance of being a Black entrepreneur, and the advice she has for others looking to follow in her footsteps. 

Capturing Life’s Moments One Shoot at a Time
Capturing Life’s Moments One Shoot at a Time

Dwan Miller, the creative mind behind Dwan Miller Photography, has built a reputation for telling compelling stories through his lens. Dwan’s work ranges from fashion and lifestyle photography to capturing unforgettable events. With a passion for his craft and a commitment to listening to his clients' needs, Dwan invested in a $1,500 microgrant from BEFH and has made a significant impact in the Flint Hills community.

Sweet Satisfaction: How the Circle of Community Grant Boosted My Business and Confidence
Sweet Satisfaction: How the Circle of Community Grant Boosted My Business and Confidence
From Grant to Glory: How BEFH Empowered My Journey to the BET Stellar Awards and Beyond
From Grant to Glory: How BEFH Empowered My Journey to the BET Stellar Awards and Beyond
Empowering Mothers, Transforming Lives
Empowering Mothers, Transforming Lives
Zydeco Meadery: A Testament to Resilience and Innovation in the Winery Business
Zydeco Meadery: A Testament to Resilience and Innovation in the Winery Business

Zydeco Meadery is a black-owned business specializing in high-quality wine, founded by Eric Depradine. When asked about an accomplishment that makes him proud of his business, he said,

365 Days 365 Chances Counseling Services: Pioneering Mental Wellness with a Mission of Peace, Prosperity, and Purpose
365 Days 365 Chances Counseling Services: Pioneering Mental Wellness with a Mission of Peace, Prosperity, and Purpose

Started by Tychelle S. Jones, 365 Days 355 Chances Counseling Services hopes to help clients find peace, prosperity, and purpose. Their mission is to help find ways to contribute to clients’ well-being positively. Tychelle said that developing a group mental health practice in her hometown was one of the accomplishments that resonated with her and made her proud. 365 Days 365 Chances received the Circle of Community Black Business Grant and were able to give insight into their journey and how this grant helped the business.

See a full listing of our grantees to date: $90,945.

1. 365 Days 365 Chances Counseling Services LLC: Manhattan, KS

   - Enhanced service delivery through a $1,500 microgrant, improving technology and hiring key staff, significantly impacting the community's mental health services.

- $5,000 in Network Kansas Empower pitch winnings was leveraged to update website and invest in critical training.

2. Aunt Mekas: Junction City, KS

   - Utilized a $2,000 microgrant to acquire superior catering and event supplies, cover state licensing fees, elevating the quality and reach of their culinary services.

3. B. Michelle’s Beauty Bar: Junction City, KS

   - Will transform her space with a $1,500 grant, upgrading to a more professional and functional flooring, attracting more clients and beauty professionals.

4. B. Royal Boutique: Overland Park, KS

   - Leveraged a $1,500 microgrant to boost brand visibility and drive customer engagement through expert marketing strategies, enhancing their market footprint.

5. Black Paradise Doulas: Manhattan, KS

   - A $1,500 grant enabled essential enhancements in professional presentation and operational space, fostering a supportive environment for their clients.

6. Clark Legacy Mobile Notary: Lawrence, KS

   - Received $1,000 in technical assistance for advanced QuickBooks software training, optimizing their financial operations and service reliability.

7. CJD Consulting, LLC.: Junction City, KS

- $5,000 in Network Kansas Empower pitch winnings was leveraged to enhance to complete website design, elevate marketing and cover costs of professional certifications and memberships to o reach idea target audience.

7. Companion Projects Media LLC: Manhattan, KS

   - Expanded their digital storage and archival systems with a $1,500 grant, ensuring superior content management and client service in their media productions.

8. Cynthia’s One Bite Delight Food Truck: Junction City, KS

   - A $1,000 Equity in Motion BIPOC BEFH pitch win enabled vital truck repairs, ensuring continued service and community engagement through delightful culinary experiences.

9. Dwan Miller Photography LLC: Manhattan, KS

   - Invested a $1,500 microgrant in launching new creative ventures, significantly expanding their service offerings and community impact.

10. Gifted Care Services LLC: Junction City, KS

    - A $3,600 grant bolstered their capacity to provide essential in-home health care services, significantly benefiting the community's well-being.

11. J’s Makeup Artistry: Junction City, KS

    - Used a $3,500 grant to gain invaluable exposure and expertise through a reality TV entrepreneur workshop, amplifying their artistic reach.

12. Kavannah Life Counseling Services: Manhattan, KS

    - A $1,500 grant supported crucial mental health services and community events, fostering awareness and support for the BIPOC community.

- (Black Joy Program) Professional Development $1,000 grant Reiki master Training Reiki Master training represents the highest level in the Reiki healing system, focusing on deepening both personal spiritual development and healing capabilities. This level typically follows the completion of Reiki Levels 1 and 2 (and sometimes an Advanced Level 3).

13. Kiki Events: Manhattan, KS

    - A $1,000 Equity in Motion BIPOC BEFH pitch win invested in booking software, enhancing their operational efficiency and customer interaction in event planning.

14. Mama Deaux’s LLC: Manhattan, KS

    - Supported local culture and community bonding through a $1,500 sponsorship, contributing to the success of the Bayou GatorCraw Fest.

15. Pinky’s Precious Pets: Lawrence, KS

    - Improved their business operations with $1,000 in technical assistance for accounting services enhancing service delivery in pet care.

16. Products by Andrea: Manhattan, KS

    - A $3,000 Equity in Motion BIPOC BEFH pitch win facilitated a brand and marketing revamp, strengthening their market presence and customer engagement.

17. Revital LLC: Topeka, KS

    - Benefited from $1,000 in technical assistance, advancing their accounting practices and enhancing operational efficiency with QuickBooks expertise.

18. Rhone Enterprise LLC: Manhattan, KS

    - A $1,500 microgrant empowered them to seize new opportunities, including participation in high-profile events, boosting their business growth and visibility.

19. Smokin H’s Meats: Topeka, KS

    - A $1,500 microgrant supported licensing and business education, fostering growth and operational improvement in their culinary enterprise.

20. The Cake Artist LLC: Junction City, KS

    - Utilized a $5,000 pitch winnings to engage in a prestigious cake design expo, acquiring new skills and tools to enhance their artistic and business capabilities.

21. Tony Photography LLC: Junction City, KS

    - Directed a $1,500 grant towards upgrading equipment and business expansion, enhancing their creative offerings and market position.

22. Tre’s Squeeze: Manhattan, KS

    - Enhanced production capabilities with a $5,000 Network Kansas Empower pitch win, investing in equipment and supplies to scale up their operations and market reach.

23. Winks By Thanie: Manhattan, KS

    - A $1,500 grant expanded their product line and market reach, enriching the customer experience and supporting the growth of dance athletes.

24. Yami Yummy: Manhattan, KS

    - Utilized a $10,000 in Equity in Motion BIPOC BEFH pitch win to expand their food truck business, enhancing their operational capacity and community service reach.

25. Zydeco Meadery Wine Company: Manhattan, KS

    - A $1,500 microgrant enhanced their wine production capabilities, ensuring quality and efficiency in their craft and contributing to the local economy.

26. JahVelle Rhone (JRSaxophonic): Manhattan, KS

- A $500 microgrant to support their credit repair efforts. This grant is aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs to strengthen their financial foundations, opening up more opportunities for personal and business growth toward financial empowerment.

27. Aunt Mekas: Junction City, KS

- A $500 microgrant to support their credit repair efforts. This grant is aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs to strengthen their financial foundations, opening up more opportunities for personal and business growth toward financial empowerment.

28. Gifted Care Services LLC: Junction City. KS

- A $500 microgrant to support their credit repair efforts. This grant is aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs to strengthen their financial foundations, opening up more opportunities for personal and business growth toward financial empowerment.

29. Kavanah Life Counseling Services: Manhattan, Junction City, KS

- Awarded a $5,000 Commerce Uplift pitch competition grant for completing 12-week Kaufman FastTrac Cohort to support the expansion of a second office location. This funding will help furnish the new space with essential office supplies and furniture, creating a welcoming environment for clients. Significant step forward in providing accessible and impactful counseling services to our community.

30. Britts Real Estate Services: Manhattan, KS

- Awarded a $3,000 Commerce Uplift pitch competition grant for completing 12-week Kaufman FastTrac Cohort to support first-time home buyers and enhance brokerage services to guide clients through the homeownership process. This grant empowers Britt’s Real Estate Service to expand its mission of making homeownership more accessible and providing personalized assistance to buyers at every step.

31. J’s Makeup Artistry: Junction City, KS

- Awarded a $2,000 Commerce Uplift pitch competition grant for completing 12-week Kaufman FastTrac Cohort to expand its product line into Kansas City retail stores and invest in videography equipment for marketing. This funding will help elevate brand visibility and reach a wider audience, bringing high-quality products and creative content to new markets.

32. Linda’s African Kreations: Topeka, KS

- Awarded $500 for completing the 12-week Kauffman FastTrac business cohort. This grant is a testament to their commitment to entrepreneurial growth and provides additional support for their business journey for Accounting and Taxes Services.

33. GSBC Midwest Exotics: Topeka, KS

- Awarded $500 for completing the 12-week Kauffman FastTrac business cohort. This grant is a testament to their commitment to entrepreneurial growth and provides additional support for their business journey for Accounting and Taxes Services.

34. Products By Andrea: Manhattan, KS

- Awarded $500 for completing the 12-week Kauffman FastTrac business cohort. This grant is a testament to their commitment to entrepreneurial growth and provides additional support for their business journey for Marketing Services.

35. Blessed Assurance Daycare LLC: Manhattan, KS

- Awarded $500 for completing the 12-week Kauffman FastTrac business cohort. This grant is a testament to their commitment to entrepreneurial growth and provides additional support for their business journey for Website and eCommerce Support.

36. AIM Services: Active Army

- Awarded $500 for completing the 12-week Kauffman FastTrac business cohort. This grant is a testament to their commitment to entrepreneurial growth and provides additional support for their business journey for Marketing Services.

37. We’re So Icey! Snack Shoppe LLC: Junction City, KS

- Awarded $500 for completing the 12-week Kauffman FastTrac business cohort. This grant is a testament to their commitment to entrepreneurial growth and provides additional support for their business journey for Accounting and Taxes Services.

38. Simply Cierra LLC: Junction City, KS

- Awarded $500 for completing the 12-week Kauffman FastTrac business cohort. This grant is a testament to their commitment to entrepreneurial growth and provides additional support for their business journey for Tablet equipment/software for Art Designs.

39. BEFH Sponsorship: K-State Black Student Union: Manhattan, KS

- Sponsorship $1,500 BSU Annual Welcome back BBQ the objective of this event is to include fostering community, networking, and informing students in attendees about BSU and the Flint Hills communities.

40. BEFH Sponsorship: Kansas Black Leadership Council: Lawerence, KS

- Sponsorship $1,000 KBLC Black Leadership brunch Series was held in 5 different area's around the state and Manhattan KS location. Embark on a journey where leaders, advocates, legislators and community champions converge to inspire change and celebrate achievements. The brunch was a dynamic platform of empowerment.

41. BEFH Sponsorship: Ase Organization Nonprofit: Junction City, KS

- Sponsorship $1,500 Juneteenth celebration at Milford Lake is vibrant celebration of freedom and community and cultural evolution, commemorating Juneteenth’s significance in the journey toward equality and recognition in American History.

42. BEFH Sponsorship: ABG Store: Junction City, KS

- Sponsorship $1,000 Back to School Drive block party giving back to the families and the kids in the Community in Junction City. The block party had family fun for the flint hills and school supplies for students from K-12.

43. BEFH Sponsorship: First 1,000 Membership Club Nonprofit: Junction City, KS

- Sponsorship $1,500 for Harmony Fest is a multicultural event that is geared towards promoting community and unity in the flint hills and informing the community of resources and vending opportunities.

44. 365 Days 365 Chances Counseling Services LLC: Manhattan, KS

- (Black Joy Program) Grant $650 for training certification for Financial Social Work that evidence-based education for professionals working with clients experiencing financial problems, stress, and anxiety.

- (Black Joy Program) Grant $1,150 for EMDR Therapy Training for BIPOC Clinicians. (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is psychotherapy technique that helps people process traumatic memories and other distressing experiences.

Be a part of Change: Donate to contribute to BEFH’s impact

Support Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills 501c3 non-profit organization and make a meaningful impact today! Simply by making a gift of $10 or more to contribute towards our operational costs, you empower local black, socially and economically-disadvantaged entrepreneurs to thrive. Your donation fuels equitable opportunities, fosters economic growth, and dismantles systemic barriers. Together, we can drive lasting change, uplift communities, and build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Join us in cultivating entrepreneurship and creating a better future for all.

Please see our Circle of Community giving opportunities below.