Black Expo Family Reunion

Swope Park Bandstand

4177 Pavilion Road, 64130, Kansas City, MO, United States

Marsha Willis

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Established on August 1st, 2012, Black Owned Business Kansas City (BOBKC) originated from Marsha's recognition of a void in business resources for African Americans in the city. In pursuit of a supportive community, she founded BOBKC to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, initially focusing on retaining black dollars within black communities, fostering new business opportunities, mutual support, and customer connections.BOBKC has since grown into a virtual hub with nearly 33,000 members, catering to diverse entrepreneurs, professionals, public servants, and customers. During the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, BOBKC played a crucial role in supporting and connecting entrepreneurs, serving as a lifeline for business promotion and livelihood sustenance. Members expressed gratitude, citing BOBKC as their sole means of income and family support during challenging times.Acknowledging this profound impact, Marsha transformed BOBKC into an Entrepreneur Services Organization (ESO) in 2021, with the establishment of the Black Owned Business Kansas City Foundation Non-profit in 2022 marking a pivotal step, broadening the organization's scope.Presently, BOBKC provides comprehensive business resources, meaningful connections, events, and tools, fostering a thriving community where entrepreneurs feel supported and connected. The objective is to contribute to closing the racial wealth gap and building a stronger, more interconnected community.In May 2024, Marsha is set to host BlackBizFest, a week-long, city-wide transformative gathering empowering African American business owners across Kansas City. This event will offer cutting-edge resources, impactful speakers, life-changing connections, and a vibrant community for like-minded individuals. BlackBizFest will also provide tangible guidance, mentorship, and inclusive spaces for black business owners, along with intentional economic support for black businesses in the community. Signature events such as the Kansas City Black Expo, Black Ball & Honors will take place at the Kansas City Convention Center, reviving long-standing traditions and celebrating business owners' efforts.Looking ahead, within three to five years, BOBKC plans to open The Enterprise Center of Kansas City—a hub supporting entrepreneurs with mentorship, networking, training, and resources. Through partnerships, grants, and donations, the center will offer free access and services to small businesses, featuring office spaces, classrooms, a kitchen, drop-in daycare, and a fitness facility. The offerings will encompass accelerators, workforce development, mentoring, youth programs, home ownership, retail success initiatives, and support for mental health, entrepreneurs with disabilities, and felons.BOBKC's mission is to provide Black Business Owners with streamlined resources covering capital, education, and back-office support. Going beyond traditional business assistance, the approach includes mentorship, mental health support, and assistance in areas like home ownership. The goal is to empower members with comprehensive resources, contributing to building wealth and closing the racial wealth gap by recognizing the integral components of health and home ownership.In summary, BOBKC envisions itself as the premier resource for Black Business in Kansas City, taking a holistic approach to address the wealth gap and offering social services beyond typical business aid.