THE BLACK COLLECTIVE

Recognition With Meaning.

The Black Collective Recognition Seals help our community identify businesses and organizations that demonstrate participation, verification, leadership, partnership, and support within Wichita's Black business ecosystem.

Founding Member

Recognizes businesses that joined The Black Collective during its founding enrollment period and helped establish the foundation of the network.

Founding enrollment is open through November 18, 2026. Businesses accepted into The Black Collective during this period will permanently retain Founding Member recognition.

Verified Business

Recognizes verified structured businesses whose business registration and public business information have been reviewed by The Black Collective.

Verified Business recognition distinguishes structured businesses within the directory and provides an additional layer of transparency for our community. Verification does not represent an endorsement, certification, or guarantee of the business.

Impact Leader

Recognizes businesses demonstrating meaningful participation and measurable impact within The Black Collective and Wichita's Black business ecosystem.

Available with Collective Impact — Version 2. Impact Leader recognition will be earned through Collective Impact Points based on qualifying participation, collaboration, and contributions to the ecosystem.

Community Partner

Recognizes organizations that actively strengthen Wichita's Black business ecosystem through partnership, resources, opportunities, collaboration, and community support.

Available with Collective Impact — Version 2. Community Partner recognition will be awarded based on qualifying engagement measured through The Black Collective's Collective Impact system.

Supporter

Recognizes individuals and organizations that actively support the mission, businesses, and continued growth of The Black Collective ecosystem.

Available with Collective Impact — Version 2. Supporter recognition will be earned through qualifying support and engagement tracked through Collective Impact Points.

Understanding Our Recognition

Recognition Seals and ownership designations serve different purposes within The Black Collective. Recognition Seals reflect a business or organization’s relationship with the network, including founding membership, business verification, and—beginning with Version 2—measurable participation and community impact. Ownership designations such as Black-Owned, Woman-Owned, and Veteran-Owned are self-reported by participating businesses and are not independently verified or certified by The Black Collective. The Verified Business Seal is separate from these designations and confirms that a structured business’s registration and public business information have been reviewed by The Black Collective. Verification applies to the business itself—not its self-reported ownership designations.

Collective Impact and point-based recognition arrive with Version 2 in Fall 2026.