Circle of Community
Business Grant
Access to capital is the most pressing challenge founders face when starting, growing, and operating businesses. Our Circle of Community Business Grant Program is a solution to assist local businesses with accessing financial support. Grantees will also participate in training, mentoring, and technical assistance programs to support business growth. Grant amounts are now $2,500 per recipient. The deadline to apply is January, 5, 2026.
Timeline:
This grant is awarded each year.
Application Opens: Dec. 22, 2025
Deadline: January. 5, 2026
Application Review: Jan. 6 - Jan. 20 2026
Notifications: Jan. 26, 2026
Awards Given: Feb. 28, 2026 at Circle of Community Gala
Criteria:
Must be in good standing with State of Kansas. Check your status here.
Must be a current Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills Member for at least six months.
Businesses must be located in Kansas - specifically Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary Counties. Exceptions can be made for surrounding counties.
The business is currently in operation and serving clients or customers.
Must have participated in at least two BEFH events/training in the past year.
Must commit to community involvement, business coaching and volunteering .
Please note: If you received the Circle of Community Grant in 2025, you are ineligible to apply for this current grant cycle for 2026.
Application
Grant amounts are $2,500 per recipient. The first distribution will be awarded within 30 days after the Circle of Community Gala. The second distribution will be allocated after completion of required involvement including volunteering, coaching and participations in programs and events as listed below in application.
Disclaimer: All application questions must be fully answered. Questions that are only half answered will disqualify the application. All materials and follow-ups must happen before the deadline date. If you have any questions please email engage@blackflinthills.com.
FAQ
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Yes, this grant application is only open to active BEFH members.
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https://sos.ks.gov/business/certificates-of-good-standing.html. From there you will need to provide a link, you need to upload a copy of the document via Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon Web Services storage and open share permissions for public access. Copy the link to the document and then paste the link into your application. Email blackflinthills@gmail.com if you need further assistance.
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Application Opens: Dec. 22, 2025
Deadline: January. 5, 2026
Application Review: Jan. 6 - Jan. 20 2026
Notifications: Jan. 26, 2026
Awards Given: Feb. 28, 2026 at Circle of Community Gala
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Yes.
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No, only one business grant application per person.
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Payment method will be via check.
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We will award grantees on Feb. 28th at our Circle of Community Gala.
About Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills
Our mission is to build pathways to entrepreneurship, ownership, and innovation that drive economic mobility and expand access and opportunity.