Advancing Black Communities
One GIFT At A Time
KC G.I.F.T. is a small-business accelerator that provides Black business owners in Kansas City’s historically redlined neighborhoods with equitable access to financial support through grants, marketing services, and free business resources and education.
Vision
to promote business excellence and create jobs and generational wealth – helping to close the racial wealth gap and improving quality of life.
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About
Black communities in Kansas City’s historically redlined neighborhoods have suffered from decades of segregation and discrimination, leaving them few opportunities to build better lives for themselves and their families. We’re here to change all of that.
KC G.I.F.T. works to reverse the effects of systemic racism by building an empowered community of Black business owners. Founded in May 2020, our small-business accelerator knocks down barriers to success by offering access to financial support, marketing services and other professional resources. By participating in our program, grant recipients are equipped to take charge of the future of their businesses and their lives—positively impacting their communities by creating new jobs and generational wealth and improving quality of life for all.
Together, with our visionary business owners and generous donors, we are advancing Black businesses, one gift at a time.
$1.2M
Combined with the outcomes and residual growth in job creation from FY1, 2 & 3, we have given out $1,237,000 to 63 different Black-owned businesses, resulting in the creation of 108 new jobs that pay an average hourly wage of $16.06/hour, and our grant recipients have experienced an average growth in revenue of 254% in our first three years of operation
256
In year two we worked tirelessly to bring more services to more businesses. This led to the creation of our monthly Black Business Market and the opening of our business center on 50th & Prospect. The Black Business Market has provided a platform for 256 product-based businesses and has made around $82,000 in sales this fiscal year.
2,741
In the first 12 months of the business center being open, we saw 2,741 appointments booked for technical assistance, with most of the appointments being for business coaching. As a result of launching the business center, we have seen 97 new businesses registered, 248 new businesses plan created, 163 new marketing plans/websites created, and 154 new accounting systems set up.
$4.3M
Our grant recipients have experienced an average growth in revenue of 254% in our first three years of operation. In 2022 our grant recipients made a total of $4,345,686 in total sales. Of the 63 businesses that we have given grants to, 9 of them have applied for traditional bank loans, and 5 of the 9 have been approved.
Reflecting on Our Journey: Year Three Annual Report
Dive into our comprehensive 2023 Annual Report, a testament to our year's achievements, challenges, and growth. This section showcases the milestones we've reached together, highlights from our key projects, and our strategic vision moving forward. Gain insights into our impactful work, collaborative efforts, and the transformative initiatives that define us. Join us in celebrating our progress and exploring the stories that shaped our year.
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Media
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Voice
Generating Income For Tomorrow (G.I.F.T.) Our identity is a living, breathing thing, shaped by our core values and the strong leadership that guides us. It's about who we are and what we stand for. Our leaders, with their relentless drive and dedication, inspire us to push boundaries and aim higher, making sure we're not just part of the conversation but leading it. This blend of identity and leadership makes us unique, showing the world our strength and commitment to making a real difference.
Testimonials
If we’re really going to have sustainability in the urban core and make generational change, we’ve gotta do it the way G.I.F.T. is doing it.
Adam Hawley
BMG Advisors
Support can come from
everywhere. All of Kansas
City should be passionate
about what G.I.F.T. is doing.
Chris Giuliani
Spring Venture Group
They have a grassroots approach. It's very accessible. Even the grant application process was very accessible. I didn't feel intimidated or anxious with that process.
Nika Cotton
Soulcentricitea
Donate to Kansas City G.I.F.T.
Your support goes beyond a mere donation; it's a powerful statement of belief in our mission and vision. Every contribution fuels our initiatives, empowering us to make lasting impacts where they're needed most. By clicking our "Donate" button, you're not just giving funds; you're joining a community committed to making real, tangible change. Let's create a brighter future together. Your generosity is the cornerstone of our progress, and together, we can achieve remarkable things.
Get in touch
We're always eager to hear from you. Whether you've got questions, ideas, or just want to chat about how we can make a difference together, reaching out is just a click away. Our 'Get in Touch' section is designed to make it easy for you to connect with us. Drop us a message, and let's start a conversation that could spark change, inspire action, and build a community. Your thoughts are valuable to us, and we're here to listen and engage.
Come join us and support local Black-owned vendors at this year's Small Black Business Market on November 30th. Best of all, entry is FREE!
You don’t want to miss this fun-filled day of shopping, community love, and supporting Black-owned businesses. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Join us for our Holiday Business Market on December 14th at 11 A.M.! Enjoy a day of shopping and support local Black-owned vendors. Black Santa will be there for photos! Free entry—don't miss it!