We are dedicated to fostering growth and success of Black-owned businesses in Kansas City by offering comprehensive support in community building, education, networking, mentorship, financial access, and leadership training. Our goal is to create pathways to generational wealth and ensure a more just and prosperous future for all.
We envision a thriving ecosystem of Black-owned businesses in Kansas City, where equitable opportunities and sustained. success are the norms. By harnessing the power of community, education, and financial resources, we aspire to create a legacy of generational wealth and leadership, driving economic growth and social justice for future generations.
B
lack Owned Business Kansas City was founded August 1st, 2012 because Marsha felt that Kansas City was lacking something when it came to business resources for African Americans in Kansas City. She felt as if she didn’t have a friend in business; there was a lack of COMMUNITY. She created the BOBKC so that she could have other entrepreneurs who look like her, to lean on and learn from. Initially the main focus was to ensure that we were keeping black dollars within black communities by helping to foster new business opportunities, supporting one another and connecting customers with black owned businesses.
Over the years our virtual community has grown to over 30,000 members and has served as a hub for entrepreneurs to connect, advertise their businesses, support events, and find other black businesses to support. Our members range from entrepreneurs, to public servants, to professionals to customers and everyone in between. After the pandemic hit in 2020, Black Owned Business Kansas City played a vital role in the lives of entrepreneurs across Kansas City. With a shuttered city, jobs eliminated and people worried about how they would make ends meet, many had to get creative about how to earn a living. There was also a surge of new business owners who were able to connect to customers for the first time. Black Owned Business Kansas City virtual marketplace allowed business owners the continued opportunity to promote their businesses. During this time, Marsha began getting messages from members expressing gratitude for the community and some acknowledging that the BOBKC community is the only way they were able to make money and provide for their families.
In all of the history of BOBKC prior to the pandemic, we have never been thanked for our existence. Marsha knew that BOBKC was an asset to entrepreneurs; now she could actually feel the importance of the Facebook community. However, she felt that it was not enough. Marsha wanted to make a greater social impact within the Kansas City Black Business Ecosystem and began to shift BOBKC from being a more of a marketplace to becoming an Entrepreneur Services Organization (ESO). In 2021 she began researching, attending more city meetings, connecting with other organizations and leaders. In January 2022 BOBKC became a business then in November 2022 a non-profit arm, The Black Owned Business Kansas City Foundation was added to the organization.
Moving forward we have evolved to provide business resources, meaningful connections, events and other tools that will help entrepreneurs within our community not only thrive but feel that they have friends within the community that are truly devoted to seeing them win. Helping to close the racial wealth gap while building a better, stronger, more connected community.
An ecosystem-style community. We are each other’s clients, friends, vendors, partners, mentors, funders, accountability partners and even sometimes co-founders.
We are the #1 community for Black Business in Kansas City!
Welcome to Black Owned Business Kansas City.
Our Values
Our Pillars
B lack Owned Business Kansas City (BOBKC)!
History and Milestones
Since our founding on August 1st, 2012, by Marsha Willis, BOBKC has grown from a small community initiative into a powerful force for economic empowerment in Kansas City. Key milestones include our growth to over 33,000 members, the establishment of the Black Owned Business Kansas City Foundation in 2022, and the launch of our signature event, BlackBizFest. We are excited about our future plans for the Enterprise Center of Kansas City, an initiative aimed at creating a dedicated space for Black entrepreneurs to collaborate, innovate, and grow.
OUR
FOUNDER
Marsha Willis, a visionary entrepreneur and community advocate, founded Black Owned Business Kansas City (BOBKC) on August 1, 2012, to address the lack of resources and support for Black entrepreneurs in Kansas City. Motivated by her own experiences and the desire to foster a robust support network, Marsha has led BOBKC to become a powerful force for economic empowerment and social equity.
Under her leadership, BOBKC has grown to over 33,000 members, serving as a vital hub for Black business owners to connect, share knowledge, and support one another. In 2012, Marsha opened the first beauty supply store catering to African Americans in East Kansas City, showcasing her pioneering spirit.
Recognizing the need for structured support, Marsha established the Black Owned Business Kansas City Foundation in 2022, transforming BOBKC into an Entrepreneur Services Organization (ESO). The Foundation provides comprehensive resources, including education, mentorship, access to capital, and leadership development.
Marsha’s innovative initiatives, such as the annual BlackBizFest and the upcoming Enterprise Center of Kansas City, continuously uplift the community. Her groundbreaking work for those with dementia highlights her commitment to addressing critical needs.
Marsha resides in the urban core of Kansas City with her four-year-old daughter, Emily Elizabeth, and balances her personal responsibilities with her professional commitments, always striving to create a better future for Black entrepreneurs and their communities.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Community Impact and Success Stories
Our Impact
Since its inception, Black Owned Business Kansas City (BOBKC) has been dedicated to fostering economic empowerment, social equity, and community development for Black entrepreneurs in Kansas City. With over 33,000 members, BOBKC has created a thriving ecosystem where Black business owners can connect, share resources, and support one another.
Our impact is reflected in the success stories of our members, who have overcome challenges, achieved significant milestones, and contributed to the overall growth of our community. Here are some of their stories:
Member Testimonials
Troy Campbell III
To a T LLCTroy Campbell III
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS GROUP! I love what Marsha has done with this. I appreciate her and the admins doing their job as far as keeping unprofessionalism to a minimum. This is really really helping my business grow. I highly recommend BOBKC and Marsha to facilitate huge platforms like this.
Dr. Tamela Davis
TherapistDr. Tamela Davis
I no longer need to advertise my business within BOBKC network. Whenever someone requires counseling services, other members consistently recommend my services.
Shalonda Howard
Event PlannerShalonda Howard
BOBKC has been a fantastic resource for helping my event spaces stay booked. Not only do I make posts about my business but many members also recommend my business to others. I love the ability to connect with other business leaders and learn about what they have to offer.
Case Studies and Examples
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Case Study: The Launch of GHI Salon
- GHI Salon, owned by Mary Thompson, benefited from BOBKC’s mentorship program and business startup services. Within a year of opening, Mary expanded her salon services and hired additional staff, contributing to job creation in the community.
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Example: Amada Kaytour Growth
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BOBKC membership led to 8 new client bookings for Amada Kaytour in the 2023-2024 year. At the BlackBizFest – Black Expo event, she secured 7 additional bookings and formed 4 key business connections, including partnerships with BMO Bank and legal professionals. These connections provided valuable insights and resources, allowing Amada to expand her business, purchase a mobile home office and pursue new opportunities.
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Looking Ahead
BOBKC remains committed to empowering Black entrepreneurs and driving positive change in Kansas City. We continue to innovate with new initiatives, such as the upcoming Enterprise Center of Kansas City, to provide even more comprehensive support to our members.
Join us in celebrating the achievements of our community and witness firsthand the impact BOBKC has on the lives of Black business owners. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community.
Programs and Services
We offer a range of programs and services designed to support Black entrepreneurs:
- Educational Workshops
- Networking Events
- Mentorship Programs
- Funding Opportunities
- Leadership Training
Events
Join us at our key events, including the annual BlackBizFest, a celebration and showcase of Black entrepreneurship and innovation.
Membership Information
Become a member of BOBKC and enjoy exclusive benefits, including networking opportunities, educational resources, and more. BOBKC Membership is Currently Open
Partnerships and Collaborations
We are proud to partner with numerous organizations that support our mission.
Contact Information
Get in touch with us:
- Email: blackownedbusinesskansascity@gmail.com
- Phone:816-795-9005
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about BOBKC, our mission, programs, and membership.
Volunteer and Support Opportunities
Learn how you can support BOBKC through volunteering, donations, or sponsorships.
“#1 Community for Black Business in Kansas City!”
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”
At BOBKC, we are more than a community; we are an ecosystem. We are each other’s clients, friends, vendors, partners, mentors, funders, accountability partners, and sometimes even co-founders. We are the #1 community for Black business in Kansas City, dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap and building a better, stronger, more connected community.
Welcome to Black Owned Business Kansas City. Together, we thrive.
