Kansas City’s Generating Income For Tomorrow (G.I.F.T.) is expanding its community impact this holiday season with two signature Black Business Markets, expected to draw around 500 shoppers from across the metro area to their Business Center on Prospect Avenue.
“We’re excited to bring the community together to support local Black business owners during this important season,” said Brandon Calloway, co-founder and CEO of G.I.F.T.
Up first is the Small Business Saturday Market on Sat., Nov. 30, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature Chef Jenette Williams from Loaded With Flavor, alongside numerous vendors offering beauty care products, art pieces, and jewelry.
The holiday celebrations continue on Sat., Dec. 14, with G.I.F.T.’s Holiday Business Market, where families can enjoy free photos with Black Santa while exploring offerings from local entrepreneurs. Chef Williams will return for this event as well, joining other food trucks and vendors at the market.
“These markets not only provide a unique shopping experience but also contribute to our mission of closing the racial wealth gap in Kansas City,” said Calloway. “We believe that fostering collaboration and community support is key to addressing inequities and creating a stronger, more inclusive city for all.”
Founded in 2020, G.I.F.T. has established itself as a crucial force in addressing Kansas City’s racial wealth gap. As a small-business accelerator, the organization has already provided $1.8 million to 74 Black-owned businesses, resulting in the creation of 135 jobs in the urban core. These markets align with G.I.F.T.’s mission to support Black business owners in historically redlined neighborhoods through grants, marketing services, and free business resources and education.
Both markets will be hosted at the G.I.F.T. Business Center, providing a festive opportunity for holiday shopping while supporting the organization’s ongoing mission of creating a stronger, more inclusive Kansas City through economic empowerment.
Small Business Saturday Black Business Market
Beauty care, food trucks, art, jewelry, Chef Jenette Williams from Loaded With Flavor
5008 Prospect Ave., KCMO
Sat., Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Holiday Black Business Market
Black Santa (free photos), food trucks, vendors, and Chef Jenette Williams
5008 Prospect Ave., KCMO
Sat., Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
