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 narrow the racial wealth gap by engaging, empowering, and equipping entrepreneurs to build sustainable enterprises and generational wealth through culturally responsive business training, resources, technical assistance, and access to capital.

Our 4-point plan includes:

  1. Champion access to funding entrepreneurs through a mix of grants, loans, and investment options, supplemented by hands-on technical support. Elevate the quality of life for diverse communities in tandem.

  2. Boost the visibility of diverse owned businesses via targeted media campaigns, community partnerships, and high-profile events. Utilize social media and strategic alliances for maximum impact.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

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:

Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Wellness and Wealth

The Black Joy is Healing initiative tackles the racial wealth gap’s profound impact on health and well-being, a disparity magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. For Black Americans, entrepreneurship is a vital path to building generational wealth and improving health outcomes.

In partnership with the Kansas Health Foundation, we bridge the gap through financial empowerment and mental health support:

  • Annual Mental Health & Wellness Summit: Held during Mental Health Awareness Month, this event provides holistic services to support resilience and self-care.

  • Therapy Program: Launched in Spring 2024, this program subsidizes therapy sessions for members, addressing critical challenges like depression, anxiety, and burnout. Since the program launch, BEFH has successfully covered over 90 therapy sessions and five professional development trainings for BIPOC therapists.

With 72% of entrepreneurs facing mental health struggles, our work ensures our entrepreneurs can thrive economically and emotionally, fostering lasting impact in their lives and communities.

Circle of Community Microgrant Program

Access to capital is the most pressing challenge underrepresented founders face when starting, growing, and operating businesses. Our Circle of Community Black Business Grant Program is a solution to assist local, black, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in the Flint Hills with accessing financial support.

Grantees will also participate in training, mentoring, and technical assistance programs to support business growth. Grant amounts are $1500 per recipient. The deadline to apply is December 16, 2025.

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.

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.

Black & Bankable Statewide Business Intensive Training & Technical Assistance Grant Program 2023

In 2022 and 2023, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills partnered with SGN Enterprises Founder, Makisha Boothe, to host the Black & Bankable 1-Day Business Intensive Training for Black Entrepreneurs ready to grow and scale. The intensive provided a toolkit: credit understanding, pitching mastery, and financial aspects of equity and debt. $20k in technical assistance including credit repair, accounting and marketing assistance will be distributed to attendees who committed to the full day of training.