Building Businesses.

Building Equity.

Building Access.

 

Access to capital is the most pressing challenge economically-disadvantaged founders face when starting, growing, and operating businesses. Our Circle of Community Business Grant Program is a solution to assist our business members with accessing financial support. Grantees will also participate in training, mentoring, and technical assistance programs to support business growth.

We are honored to support the growth of black, socially and economically-disadvantaged through our Circle of Community Grant, Black & Bankable Technical Assistance Grant, Pitch Competitions as well as our partnership with Network Kansas’ Empower Minority Business Pitch Competition. Below is a listing our our grantees to date.

Spotlight on Success! Hear from our grantees

Featured
From Insight to Impact: How Wilfred Gaye Agency Grew with Grind & Growth
From Insight to Impact: How Wilfred Gaye Agency Grew with Grind & Growth

Wilfred Gaye of Wilfred Gaye Agency used his Grind & Growth Technical Assistance grant to sharpen both marketing and leadership skills. From harnessing AI and ChatGPT for marketing and content creation to learning the art of setting boundaries, these sessions helped Wilfred grow personally and professionally. This grant enabled him to build stronger systems, boost confidence, and create strategies that support sustainable business growth.

Smart Strategies, Big Impact: Gifted Care Service in Action
Smart Strategies, Big Impact: Gifted Care Service in Action

Kriscendra Baptiste, owner of Gifted Care Service LLC, used her Grind & Growth Technical Assistance grant to strengthen both her marketing and accounting systems. From mastering small business tax strategies to learning how to maximize ChatGPT for marketing efficiency, the knowledge gained has saved time, reduced costs, and empowered her team to work smarter. This grant has not only helped Kriscendra navigate her first year of income and expenses but has also positioned her business for sustainable growth.

Weaving Growth and Care:Blessed Hands Braiding Journey
Weaving Growth and Care:Blessed Hands Braiding Journey

Jackee Johnson, owner of Blessed Hands Braiding, is enhancing client comfort and business growth with BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant. From new furniture to improved operations, she’s creating a welcoming, professional space while building essential skills and community connections.

Faith, Family, and Growth: The Journey of Blessed Assurance Daycare
Faith, Family, and Growth: The Journey of Blessed Assurance Daycare

Cheisa Myles, owner of Blessed Assurance Daycare, is growing her childcare business with faith and purpose. With support from BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant, she’s expanding her reach, strengthening her brand, and continuing her advocacy for families and children.

Scaling Up and Serving Out: Hungry Chickpea’s Circle of Community Story
Scaling Up and Serving Out: Hungry Chickpea’s Circle of Community Story

Kristi and Mario Baonga of Hungry Chickpea are scaling up their catering business with BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant. From larger orders to professional event service, they’re expanding their reach, revenue, and impact in the community.

Polish, Passion, and Progress: Embrace Beauty Studio’s Growth Journey
Polish, Passion, and Progress: Embrace Beauty Studio’s Growth Journey

From upgraded shampoo stations to a fully staffed salon and retail section, Embrace Beauty Studio is thriving. Discover how Kiondra Armstrong is blending passion and strategy with support from BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant.

Mobile Masterpieces: How Simply Cierra is Elevating Art & Business
Mobile Masterpieces: How Simply Cierra is Elevating Art & Business

Discover how Cierra Marrero and Simply Cierra LLC are bringing art to life with a mobile studio. With BEFH’s Circle of Community Grant, she’s elevated her business, created murals, and inspired her community through creativity.

Growing Beyond Borders: CJD Consulting’s Story of Local and Global Impact
Growing Beyond Borders: CJD Consulting’s Story of Local and Global Impact

See how Dr. Crystal’s CJD Consulting Solutions thrives with BEFH support through the Circle of Community Grant—strengthening operations, expanding services, and inspiring both local and global communities through leadership development.

Since 2023, we’ve invested $129,450 into Black entrepreneurs across the Flint Hills region.

2026 Grantees

Circle of Community Grants

  • Aunt Mekas LLC (Junction City, KS)

    • $1,250 — Community impact and innovation support

  • Brittany Fielder—Britt’s Real Estate Services (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,250 — Community impact and innovation support

  • Empowered Health & Healing (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,250 — Community impact and innovation support

  • J’ sMakeup Artistry (Junction City, KS)

    • $1,250 — Community impact and innovation support

Sponsorships & Community Investment

  • Street Prophets Network Nonprofit (Junction City, KS)

    • $800 Sponsorship to dedicated to empowering youth and justice-impacted individuals, proposes a Community Meet & Greet. The event aims to strengthen community relationships, increase mission awareness, and launch the "100 Donor Campaign" to ensure long-term sustainability.

  • Junction City JAG-K Nonprofit ( Junction City, KS)

    • Youth Development Event Sponsorship $300

Commerce Uplift Cohort

  • Gifted Care Services LLC (Junction City, KS)

    • $5,000 — Licensing support for home healthcare expansion

2025 Grantees

Circle of Community Grants

  • Simply Cierra LLC (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,500 — Van purchase for mobile art services

  • Hungry Chickpea LLC (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,500 — Marketing and brand visibility

  • Blessed Hands Branding LLC (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,500 — Studio upgrades + community events

  • Blessed Assurance Daycare LLC (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,500 — Website + branding expansion

  • Embrace Beauty Studio & Spa (Junction City, KS)

    • $1,500 — Equipment upgrades

  • CJD Consulting Solutions LLC (Junction City, KS)

    • $1,500 — Government contract accounting support

  • B. Michelle’s Beauty Bar (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,500 — Community event series (Soul Sunday)

Commerce Uplift Cohort Pitch Winners

  • Gifted Care Services LLC (Junction City, KS)

    • $5,000 — First Place Pitch Winner (Home healthcare licensing)

  • The Cake Artist LLC (Junction City, KS)

    • $3,000 — Marketing + website development

  • Hungry Chickpea LLC (Manhattan, KS)

    • $2,000 — Equipment upgrades

Technical Assistance (Grind & Growth / Commerce Uplift)

  • Companion Projects Media LLC (Manhattan, KS) – $1,000 (Accounting)

  • Products By Andrea LLC (Manhattan, KS) – $1,000 (Marketing & design)

  • Simply Cierra LLC (Junction City, KS) – $1,000 (Product design)

  • Gifted Care Services LLC (Junction City, KS) – $1,000 (Accounting)

  • Linda’s African Kreations (Topeka, KS) – $1,000 (Marketing)

  • Wilfred Gaye Country Financial Agency (Lawrence, KS) – $1,000 (Branding)

  • Sage & Summit Therapy LLC (Manhattan, KS) – $1,000 (Software + branding)

Sponsorships & Community Investments

  • Kansas Black Leadership Council (Lawrence, KS) – $500

  • JAG-K (Junction City, KS) – $750

  • Juneteenth Celebrations (Manhattan & Junction City, KS) – $1,000 total

  • MixxedFit / Stepping Stones Center (Manhattan, KS) – $350

  • All About Grinding LLC (Junction City, KS) – $500

  • Blessed Hands LLC (Manhattan, KS) – $500

2024 Grantees

Microgrants & Business Support

  • B. Michelle’s Beauty Bar (Junction City, KS) – $1,500

  • B. Royal Boutique (Overland Park, KS) – $1,500

  • Companion Projects Media LLC (Manhattan, KS) – $1,500

  • Dwan Miller Photography LLC (Manhattan, KS) – $1,500

  • Gifted Care Services LLC (Junction City, KS) – $3,600

  • Kavanah Life Counseling Services (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,500 (program support)

    • $1,000 (Reiki training – Black Joy Program)

    • $5,000 (Commerce Uplift – expansion)

  • Mama Deaux’s LLC (Manhattan, KS) – $1,500 (Sponsorship)

  • The Cake Artist LLC (Junction City, KS) – $5,000

  • Tony Photography LLC (Junction City, KS) – $1,500

Technical Assistance & Credit Repair Grants

  • 365 Days 365 Chances Counseling Services LLC (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,800 total (Black Joy certifications)

  • Dwan Miller Photography (Manhattan, KS) – $500

  • Jennifer Nicole Hair Design (Manhattan, KS) – $500

Commerce Uplift Kauffman FastTrac Cohort Grants ($500 each)

  • Linda’s African Kreations (Topeka, KS)

  • GSBC Midwest Exotics (Topeka, KS)

  • Products By Andrea LLC (Manhattan, KS)

  • Blessed Assurance Daycare LLC (Manhattan, KS)

  • AIM Services (Active Army)

  • We’re So Icey! Snack Shoppe LLC (Junction City, KS)

  • Simply Cierra LLC (Junction City, KS)

Commerce Uplift Cohort Pitch Winners

  • J’s Makeup Artistry (Junction City, KS) $2,000

  • Britt’s Real Estate Services (Manhattan, KS) $3,000

  • Kavannah Life Counseling (Junction City, KS) $5,000

Sponsorships

  • K-State Black Student Union (Manhattan, KS) – $1,500

  • Kansas Black Leadership Council (Lawrence, KS) – $1,000

  • Ase Organization (Junction City, KS) – $1,500

  • ABG Store (Junction City, KS) – $1,000

  • First 1,000 Membership Club (Junction City, KS) – $1,500

2023 Grantees

Microgrants & Pitch Winners

  • 365 Days 365 Chances Counseling Services LLC (Manhattan, KS)

    • $1,500 + $5,000 pitch winnings - Network Kansas Empowered Minority Business Pitch Winner

  • Aunt Mekas LLC (Junction City, KS) – $2,000

  • Black Paradise Doulas (Manhattan, KS) – $1,500

  • CJD Consulting Solutions LLC (Junction City, KS) – $5,000 pitch - Network Kansas Empowered Minority Business Pitch Winner

  • Cynthia’s One Bite Delight (Junction City, KS) – $1,000

  • J’s Makeup Artistry (Junction City, KS) – $3,500

  • Kiki Events (Manhattan, KS) – $1,000

  • Pinky’s Precious Pets (Lawrence, KS) – $1,000

  • Products By Andrea LLC (Manhattan, KS) – $3,000

  • Revital LLC (Topeka, KS) – $1,000

  • Rhone Enterprise LLC (Manhattan, KS) – $1,500

  • Smokin H’s Meats (Topeka, KS) – $1,500

  • Tre’s Squeeze (Manhattan, KS) – $5,000 - Network Kansas Empowered Minority Business Pitch Winner

  • Winks By Thanie (Manhattan, KS) – $1,500

  • Yami Yummy (Manhattan, KS) – $10,000

  • Zydeco Meadery Wine Company (Manhattan, KS) – $1,500

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