Who We Are
Bridging the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship
The Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills serves over 100 business members in Riley, Geary, and Pottawatomie counties in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. Our purpose is to empower, equip and engage black, socially and economically disadvantaged business owners in the Flint Hills with resources to build stronger and more effective businesses to positively impact our community.
Through our community-building events, culturally-responsive growth-focused business training, consulting, essential technical assistance, and strategic partnerships our organization works to bridge the racial wealth gap by building economic equality to increase black families and individuals’ net worth through entrepreneurship, ownership and becoming employers to create job opportunities and positive economic growth.
Entrepreneurs helping Entrepreneurs
History of Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH)
Founded in 2021 by Sheila Ellis-Glasper and Jermain Glasper, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) was born from the founders’ personal experiences with the challenges and barriers faced by entrepreneurs of color. Sheila and Jermain, co-owners of a boutique social media and branding consulting firm, recognized the transformative power of mentorship, opportunity, and hard work. Inspired by their journey as entrepreneurs and their son’s successful leap from a local lemonade stand to grocery store shelves, they envisioned BEFH as a vehicle to share knowledge and resources within the business community.
The spark for BEFH’s creation came from a deeply personal realization: despite the immense potential of Black entrepreneurs, systemic barriers—including limited access to capital and opportunities—hinder their growth and success. Understanding the stark racial wealth gap, which studies estimate could take 228 years to close between Black and white families, Sheila and Jermain committed to entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for change. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, they helped six other Black-owned brands transition from local markets to larger retail platforms in just one year, demonstrating the power of collective support and mentorship.
BEFH quickly grew into an organization dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap by providing culturally responsive business training, technical assistance, resources, and access to capital. Its flagship program, the Each One Teach One Mentoring and Coaching Program, embodies the African proverb of spreading knowledge for the betterment of the community. With over 150 coaching sessions completed, the program has provided essential guidance in business formation, marketing, leadership, and product development.
Key milestones include:
2021: Sheila and Jermain, supported by founding board members Doug Barrett, Dr. Jessica Elmore, Dr. Crystal Davis, Lanique Brown, and Johnny Taylor, launched BEFH to foster economic justice and generational wealth.
2022: The Each One Teach One Mentoring and Coaching Program officially launched, along with advocacy efforts to address economic disparities.
2023: Expansion of advocacy efforts secures over $300,000 in funding for local entrepreneurs.
2024: Expanded programs, including the CommerceUplift Cohort and the Black Joy is Healing Therapy Program, reached new heights with broader participation and deeper community impact.
BEFH champions advocacy and engaging local and state leaders to address economic inequities. Its efforts have positioned entrepreneurship as a pathway to prosperity, creating opportunities that uplift individuals and communities alike.
Today, BEFH continues to honor its founders’ vision, empowering over 100 Black-owned businesses annually in the Flint Hills region and beyond. With a mission to close the racial wealth gap and create lasting impact, BEFH builds on a legacy of resilience, mentorship, and community-driven growth.
BEFH’s 4-point Action 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.
Partnerships: Building Together
Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills has been selected and is currently engaged in two statewide and national programs: the National League of Cities City Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program and the Kansas Health Foundation’s Building Power to Equity Programs. Learn more below about how these programs are bringing resources to the Flint Hills region.
Sheila Ellis-Glasper, founder and president of the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH), has spent 13 years as an entrepreneur. When she sought financial assistance to expand her second venture, she discovered a lack of local options for supporting minority businesses. This led her on a journey across various cities in Kansas, only to find that she didn’t qualify for grants and reimbursement funds due to her non-resident status. Faced with limited choices, Ellis-Glasper realized that self-funding or relying on banks were often the only viable options. This realization inspired her to establish BEFH, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the capital accessibility challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs.
“If we’re going to lead the nation in health, we can’t just make healthy people healthier,” said Ed O’Malley, KHF President and CEO. “We have to look at ways to address the inequities that lead to health disparities. That means connecting and partnering with the organizations closest to the communities, neighborhoods and households where these disparities are most prevalent.”
The Building Power and Equity Partnership (BPEP) will work closely and collaboratively with grassroots organizations and organizations with a stated mission to help address health disparities in Kansas. This initiative will mark the largest single investment focused on racial equity in KHF’s history, with a possible investment of $30 million during the next decade.
Support our work
Pledge your support by investing in local equitable entrepreneurship by becoming a part of the BEFH Circle of Community.
