BEFH Receives $200,000 Upward Mobility Transformation Grant to Launch Commerce Uplift Innovation Lab
Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) has been awarded a $200,000 Upward Mobility Transformation Grant from the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) to launch the Commerce Uplift Innovation Lab, a 12-month initiative designed to help early and growth-stage entrepreneurs move from planning to implementation.
The Innovation Lab will provide participating entrepreneurs with individualized coaching, professional services, technology support, and flexible implementation grants. Together, these resources are designed to help entrepreneurs put their ideas into action, strengthen their businesses, and build the capacity needed for sustainable growth.
The grant is part of KHF’s 2026 Upward Mobility Transformation Fund, created to support strategies that advance upward mobility across Kansas. More than 100 Kansas nonprofits applied for funding, with requests totaling more than $34 million. Through collaboration with the Hall Family Foundation and Patterson Family Foundation, KHF awarded more than $5 million to 19 Kansas nonprofits working to accelerate strategies outlined in the Blueprint for Upward Mobility.
For BEFH, the investment represents an opportunity to build on the organization’s work supporting Black entrepreneurs and expanding access to resources across the Flint Hills.
“We started Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills with volunteers and a shared belief in the talent already here in our community. The ideas and ambition were here, but so were the barriers. This $200,000 investment will help us launch the Commerce Uplift Innovation Lab, connecting entrepreneurs with the coaching, technology, professional services and capital to put their plans into action. When we invest in entrepreneurs who have historically been overlooked, we create pathways to ownership, jobs and lasting community wealth. That’s what upward mobility looks like, and our entire community benefits.” -Sheila Ellis-Glasper, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills
The Commerce Uplift Innovation Lab builds on BEFH’s commitment to making entrepreneurship more accessible throughout the Flint Hills. While entrepreneurs bring talent, ideas, experience, and ambition to their work, access to the right resources can determine whether an idea remains in the planning stage or becomes a sustainable venture.
Through the Innovation Lab, BEFH will help entrepreneurs address some of the practical needs that come with growing a business, including access to expert guidance, technology, professional services, and flexible funding for implementation.
“Talent is everywhere. Ideas are everywhere. Access to the resources that help them grow should be, too.”
BEFH is grateful to the Kansas Health Foundation, Hall Family Foundation, and Patterson Family Foundation for investing in the potential of Kansas communities and supporting strategies that create new pathways for upward mobility.
The Commerce Uplift Innovation Lab will continue BEFH’s work of connecting entrepreneurs to the relationships, resources, and opportunities they need to grow.
Learn more about the Kansas Health Foundation’s 2026 Upward Mobility Transformation Fund.
