Our Programs
Engage. Equip. Empower.
Our Programs: A 4-Point Plan for Empowerment
The Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) supports over 100 businesses in Riley, Geary, and Pottawatomie counties, Kansas. Our mission is to empower, equip, and engage Black, socially and economically disadvantaged business owners with resources to strengthen their businesses and positively impact the community.
Our 4-point plan includes:
Champion access to funding for black and underestimated entrepreneurs through a mix of grants, loans, and investment options, supplemented by hands-on technical support. Elevate the quality of life for black and diverse communities in tandem.
Boost the visibility of black and underestimated businesses via targeted media campaigns, community partnerships, and high-profile events. Utilize social media and strategic alliances for maximum impact.
Deliver and partner with culturally competent and relevant business resources and training that cover everything from funding access, bankability, and financial literacy to branding, legal support, and government certifications.
Drive critical conversations around regional and statewide equity challenges highlighting best practices from communities that are making significant progress. Discuss actionable solutions for wealth disparity and health inequities
Learn more about our programs and how you can get involved below.
CommerceUplift
Empowering Brands to Grow & Scale
We're dedicated to elevating economically disadvantaged-owned businesses and guiding them to grow and scale. The CommerceUplift Program, backed by BEFH’s solid record of product placements, business coaching successful outcomes, and proven Kauffman FastTrac curriculum provides the tools, knowledge, and mentorship necessary to grow your business and enhance your brand's presence. Join CommerceUplift to surpass barriers, achieve success, and contribute to generational wealth and legacy.
Black Joy is Healing Program:
Addressing Black Mental Health Wellness
Black Joy is Healing addresses the profound impact of the racial wealth gap on health and well-being, particularly highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Entrepreneurship serves as a crucial path for Black Americans to build generational wealth and improve health outcomes. Partnering with the Kansas Health Foundation, we combat this gap through financial empowerment and entrepreneurial support.
Each year, we host the "Black Joy is Healing Mental Health & Wellness Summit" during Mental Health Awareness Month, offering holistic wellness services. In Spring 2024, we launched the "Black Joy is Healing Therapy Program" to subsidize therapy sessions, enhancing access to essential mental health services for our members.
Advocacy: Bridging the Gap Program
Our leadership team of experienced entrepreneurs founded this organization to address business disparities. We advocate for economic justice with a 4-point plan, engaging local and state leaders, including city council and the governor’s office, to secure funding and foster community growth.
To date, we have successfully advocated and together as a community we have accomplished:
Elevate Community Micro-Loan Fund & Empower Fund: Secured over $300k for local entrepreneurs, dedicating 20% to minority-owned businesses to counteract financial biases.
BIPOC Pitch Competitions: Provided over $35,000 to BIPOC businesses through competitions that highlight their innovation and resilience.
Statewide Black & Bankable Business Intensive: At KU Innovation Park, this event connected entrepreneurs with banks, investing and entrepreneurship experts offering $20k in technical assistance and valuable networking opportunities.
See the full list of our grantees to date here.
Black & Bankable Statewide Business Intensive Training & Technical Assistance Grant Program 2023
Each One Teach One Coaching & Mentoring Program
1-to-1 Business Coaching & Mentorship for business members. Entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs, our Each One Teach One program creates a safe space for black and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs to connect to resources, share challenges, set and achieve goals.
General business coaching, business entity formation and specific coaching available in marketing, leadership development, human resources and product development.