Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills

?? We want to share our WHY with you. At BEFH, our mission is clear: to narrow the racial wealth gap by engaging, empowering, and equipping Black and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs. We believe everyone deserves the chance to succeed and grow. ???? Check out our Mission Statement, along with our 4-Point Plan for Economic Progress, some informational statistics, and more! ?? Join us in making a difference. Follow us to learn how you can get involved and support our mission. Together, we can create sustainable enterprises and generational wealth for our community. ???

? A Night to Remember! ? We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support at last night’s Yuma Street Cultural Center launch event! Over 120 attendees—including elected officials, BEFH members, Yuma Street elders, Masonic Lodge members, community leaders, city and university officials, and the K-State Black Student Union—came together to honor our legacy and build our future. Special highlights included the debut performance of the K-State United Black Voices Choir since their reformation, live jazz from the amazing Michael T. Brown Band, and delicious catering by BEFH member Aunt Meka's featuring brisket from Smokin’ H's Meats. The stunning decor by KikisEvents, photography by Dwan Miller Photography, LLC, and videography by Companion Projects Media, LLC showcased the incredible talents of our BEFH members. We are deeply thankful to Commerce Bank for awarding us the $25,000 Community Impact Award, and we are thrilled to announce that we raised over $10,000 last night for the Yuma Street Cultural Center project! ?? It’s not too late to join our Founders Circle and make an impact. Contribute today: https://bit.ly/YSCCFounder A heartfelt thank you to the Douglass Center staff for hosting this special event. Together, we are making history. Let’s keep the momentum going! ?? #YumaStreetLegacy #CulturalCenter #CommunityImpact #BEFH #BuildingTheFuture

?? Applications Now Open! ?? Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) is committed to empowering and equipping black and socially-disadvantaged business owners with the resources needed to build thriving businesses and positively impact our community. The Circle of Community Business Grant Program offers $1,500 in funding, plus mentoring, training, and technical assistance to support growth. ?? Key Dates: Apply by: December 16, 2024 Award Notification: Jan. 10, 2024 Grantees to be recognized at the Circle of Community Gala on Feb. 22, 2025. Join us in creating opportunities and driving impact. Apply now! https://lnkd.in/gJPqYpEQ #BEFH #EmpowerEntrepreneurs #SupportBlackBusinesses #CommunityImpact

?? Partner Spotlight: Kansas Black Leadership Council ???????? We are excited to spotlight the Kansas Black Leadership Council as a key member of the BEFH Circle of Community. Their commitment to empowering Black leaders, advocating for policy change, and strengthening the Black community in Kansas aligns with our mission to foster economic growth and cultural equity. Through their support, we’re able to continue providing essential resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs and leaders in our community. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter future. ????Learn more about the BEFH Circle of Community and how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/gxd9sq9w #BEFH #KansasBlackLeadership #CircleOfCommunity #EmpoweringLeaders #BlackExcellence #SupportingEntrepreneurs #EconomicEquity #CommunityGrowth #KansasBusiness

?? Partnership Spotlight: Commerce Bank ?? We’re honored to have Commerce Bank as part of our Ujima Circle in the BEFH Circle of Community! Their commitment to fostering equity and economic growth aligns perfectly with our mission to empower Black, socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs throughout the Flint Hills. Join us this Friday at the Yuma Street Cultural Center launch, where Commerce Bank will present a special message as we celebrate our shared dedication to community impact and inclusion. ?????? Want to learn more about becoming a BEFH Circle of Community partner? Click here???? https://lnkd.in/gxd9sq9w #CommerceBank #CommunityImpact #BEFHCircleofCommunity

? We are so incredibly proud of BEFH’s own Dr. Chaz Mailey on the release of his debut novel, Brother Alphonse! ?? Dr. Mailey has inspired us with his passion for creativity and storytelling, and we can't wait to see how his talent continues to evolve. Brother Alphonse is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see what’s next! Be sure to support this amazing achievement—grab your copy today! ??? https://amzn.to/48QHqlV

?? Member Spotlight: Smokin' H's BBQ ?? Today, we’re excited to highlight Harrison Mitchell, owner of Smokin' H's BBQ, a community favorite bringing heart and soul to every flavorful dish! Known for their smoked meats and signature sauces, Smokin' H’s has become a go-to for BBQ lovers in the area. Meet the guru behind the grill and learn about his journey, challenges, and triumphs in an exclusive interview here: https://bit.ly/3Coc61P. Check out Smokin' H's BBQ and more Black-owned businesses in our directory: https://lnkd.in/gsaCEaVG. #SupportBlackBusiness #MemberSpotlight #SmokinHsBBQ #BlackEntrepreneurs

???? Honoring Our Veterans This Veterans Day ?? At Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, we stand in gratitude for the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. Today, we honor your sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedom. We are especially proud of veteran entrepreneurs like Dwan Miller, a U.S. Army retiree and owner of Dwan Miller Photography, LLC, who continues to make an impact in our community. Dwan's journey exemplifies how military discipline, dedication, and leadership translate into success beyond service. Curious about how Dwan turned his passion for capturing memories into a thriving business? Discover how he started his photography journey in the military, transitioned to opening a studio in downtown Manhattan, and now empowers others through phototherapy and mentorship: https://lnkd.in/gNj2GHru Click below to read Dwan’s inspiring story and see how BEFH has supported his journey to uplift the community and create lasting impact. Today, we salute Dwan and all veterans who continue to lead, inspire, and build legacies in our communities. Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and strength. Happy Veterans Day!

?? Who's Who Wednesday! ?? Meet Mario Baonga, the culinary genius behind Hungry Chickpea! ??? Alongside his wife Kristi, Mario crafts delicious dishes that prioritize mindful and nutritious eating. Have you had the chance to experience the amazing flavors at The Hungry Chickpea? ?? Check out the Baongas in our directory! ???? https://lnkd.in/gDT55MrF #BEFH #SupportLocal #MindfulEating

?Today, we gathered for the K-State College of Business Administration, Management’s 4th Annual Women in Business Career Summit to hear powerful, inspiring messages from women paving the way in business. Our very own Executive Director, Sheila Ellis-Glasper delivered an impactful keynote on her passion and faith-fueled entrepreneurial journey that left us all inspired.?? We also had the honor of hearing from our members, Crystal Davis, DM , CJD Consulting Solutions, LLC and Jessica Andrews of J's Makeup Artistry. Dr. Crystal shared valuable insights on servant leadership and what it truly means to lead with purpose, while Jessica gave us a look into her journey in the beauty industry, leaving us feeling empowered—and some of us even left with a fresh set of lashes! ?? BEFH is honored to represent and be a part of such an empowering event. Here's to building and celebrating women in business! ???? #WomenInBusiness #BEFH