Raquel’s passion for community and business development shines brightly through her work as a Business Coach and Advisor for the Kansas Small Business Development Center at the Seward County Development Corporation.
Raquel’s unwavering commitment to enhancing economic vitality, promoting diversity in business leadership and providing essential resources for sustainable community development makes her a truly exemplary advocate for business in our state..
Catherine has woven a legacy of creativity and mentorship that began in the quiet hours of her childhood. Inspired by her mother’s late-night sewing sessions, Catherine’s love for fashion blossomed into a lifelong journey — one that led her to earn a degree in Apparel Design and Technology, network in the vibrant fashion world of New York, and ultimately establish Sew Simple Sewing and Propperwear.
Catherine’s passion for sewing is matched only by her commitment to making this art form accessible to everyone. She founded Sew Simple Sewing with a mission to simplify the craft, empowering individuals of all ages to embrace the beauty and skill of sewing.
The winner of this award captured our heart with their commitment to fostering a thriving local economy. Their company stands as a beacon of community engagement and support, assisting in elevating small businesses across the Midwest.
At the heart of this success is Brandi, the driving force behind bringing MED Week to Hugoton. Her vision and passion for her community have not only made this beautiful venue a reality but have also opened doors for countless local businesses. In the past year alone, The Wild Sage Ranch has contracted with over 40 minority- and women-owned businesses through their innovative Vendor program.
Burns & McDonnell and Evergy’s partnership with Ralph G. Moore & Associates (RGMA) in launching the Accelerate business development mentorship program is a testament to their dedication. The Accelerate program, initiated in 2023, is a groundbreaking effort designed to equip small and diverse business owners with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. This six-month course, which pairs 40 owners or executives with mentors from Burns & McDonnell and Evergy, emphasizes techniques and best practices essential for the success of diverse business enterprises (DBEs).
Starting with little more than determination, Troy faced countless obstacles, each one a new challenge that he overcame with research, desire and an unshakeable belief in his vision. Today, Greatness Vodka has made a significant impact in Wichita and beyond. As the first Black-owned spirits company in Kansas history, Greatness Vodka has not only been embraced by the community but has also achieved remarkable success, now available in 130 liquor stores and 100 bars and restaurants.
Troy’s story is one of triumph, a shining example of how belief in one’s own greatness can turn dreams into reality.
Breonna’s journey to opening Curlology and Prestige Hair Studio in Lawrence, is a testament to the power of family, perseverance, and the drive to create change. Growing up as one of eleven children — six girls and five boys — Breonna was inspired by the challenges her family faced in finding quality hair care services. W
But Breonna’s story is more than just a personal journey — it’s a legacy of entrepreneurship that runs deep in her family. Her parents, who moved from Mississippi to Lawrence in the 1970s during the tail end of the Great Migration, laid the foundation for this legacy. Her father established a construction business in the 1980s, which later merged with her brother Isaiah’s landscaping company, Bell’s Turf. Of the eleven siblings, seven have gone on to own businesses themselves, with four — including Breonna — owning multiple ventures.
Lisa Sisley of New Boston Creative Group, has built one of the most successful woman-led businesses in Kansas. Not only has New Boston Creative Group been a beacon of success for women entrepreneurs, but Lisa has also been an active volunteer and leader, serving on numerous boards, including Humanities Kansas and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the company has maintained economic stability in Manhattan while fostering diversity and inclusion through initiatives like the DEIB Committee. Lisa has mentored young women, guided businesses toward state certification and championed small business development, contributing to the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem across Kansas.
Reyes Media Group is a media powerhouse, serving the Hispanic community through radio and beyond. Their mission to inform, educate and uplift through their stations has had a profound impact on Kansas City and surrounding areas. Reyes Media Group has become a beacon of news, entertainment, and advocacy for the Hispanic community. From providing critical information to organizing community events, impact reaches far beyond the airwaves.
As a leader in the Midwest bottling network, Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co., in Lenexa, knows that this is all thanks to the team members that make up the company. Proudly serving over 25,000 customers across Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and a few counties in both Iowa and Nebraska with over 600 unique products, Heartland Coca-Cola serves 10 million consumers with 48 million cases produced every year.
Visit Manhattan is a dedicated organization led by a woman director who actively champions the advancement of tourism within the community of Manhattan. By crafting engaging marketing campaigns, organizing memorable events and fostering strategic partnerships, Visit Manhattan works tirelessly to create a welcoming and vibrant destination for tourists. Through innovative initiatives like the “Manhappiness” campaign and collaborative projects that celebrate the diverse stories of the community, Visit Manhattan stands as a beacon of commitment to transforming Manhattan into a premier tourist destination. Visit Manhattan partners with many minority- and women-businesses to promote the attractions and amenities of Manhattan.
Established in 2013, President and Founder Cori Kohlmeier had worked at another advertising agency before going developing her own client roster. With help from the Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University, she worked through the financials and established funding relationships through her business advisor. With financing from a local bank and a microloan from the South Central Kansas Economic Development District, Advantage Marketing continues to serve its expanded roster of great community clients, including: USD 259, the Kansas Children’s Service League and Botanica, to name a few.
With its 16 full-time employees, Advantage Marketing is dedicated to putting their people first, and is commited to enancing the lives of their employees — with a well balanced and healthy work life that helps them contribute the best to their community.
he journey of starting Prickly Pear Farm & Home, formerly S&K Building Center, was sparked by a moment of inspiration during a conversation with her dad about potential business opportunities. This conversation led to a realization that acquiring and running a local business was exactly what she wanted to do. With the support of her parents, she embarked on the path to transform and
rebrand the existing business into something new and aligned with her vision.
However, the acquisition itself was just the beginning. Transforming a business that operated on a traditional, paper-based system into a modern Point-of-Sales (POS) environment posed another formidable challenge. Her team worked tirelessly to migrate data, learn the intricacies of the new system, and integrate the inventory seamlessly.
Throughout these transitions, she said her customers played a crucial role. Their feedback and encouragement motivated Ellie to continue striving for excellence.
The Toolbox: Small Business Resource Center is the leading resource for small businesses in Wyandotte County, offering free support in planning, registering, funding, operating, and growing businesses. Led by founder Gabe Munoz, who has over 17 years of experience, The Toolbox focuses on minority and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Gabe’s background includes working at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Forward Cities before becoming The Toolbox’s executive director.
English 
Español 
日本語