By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
Running a small business can feel like assembling a puzzle without all the pieces. For many entrepreneurs in northwest Ohio, Kenny Farrar, founder and Managing Director of Yellow Beet, has become the missing piece they need. From organizing finances to securing funding, Farrar has dedicated his career to empowering small business owners to achieve their dreams. This tireless commitment earned him the 20 Under 40 Leadership Recognition Award, solidifying his place as one of Toledo’s most influential changemakers.
This year alone, Farrar and his team at Yellow Beet have provided free resources and guidance to over 150 businesses. His mission is clear: to support local entrepreneurs—especially women- and minority-owned ventures—and shape Toledo’s entrepreneurial landscape, one consultation at a time.
Planting the Seeds of Yellow Beet
For Farrar, the journey to founding Yellow Beet began with a powerful belief: small business owners deserve support, regardless of their resources. While working with JumpStart, a Cleveland-based initiative offering free resources to Toledo’s entrepreneurs, Farrar saw the impact of accessible guidance.
“When JumpStart ceased operations in northwest Ohio, I didn’t want that to be the end,” Farrar explained. “I wanted to continue helping business owners, and I wanted to do it for free.”
With a heart for service and a knack for finding solutions, Farrar launched Yellow Beet to address the challenges small business owners face. In just five years, the initiative has worked with over 1,000 businesses, connecting them to resources, funding and tools for success.
“We save business owners a lot of time and energy by helping them reach their goals faster,” Farrar shared. “Sometimes, after just one consultation, my clients come to the reality of their goals and dreams.”
Bridging Financial Gaps with Balancing the Books
One of Yellow Beet’s standout programs, Balancing the Books, offers free accounting services to small business owners. Farrar recognized early on that financial mismanagement is a significant hurdle for entrepreneurs.
“Many business owners struggle with separating personal and business finances,” he said. “This becomes a major issue when it’s time to pay taxes or apply for funding.”
Through Balancing the Books, Farrar helps entrepreneurs organize their financial records to meet the documentation standards banks and lenders require.
“Oftentimes, entrepreneurs believe they can secure a loan, but their finances aren’t in order,” Farrar explained. “We make sure businesses are fundable.”
This program has been especially impactful for minority-owned businesses, which often face systemic barriers to securing capital.
Empowering Confidence in Business Ownership
Farrar’s work extends beyond finances; he’s also on a mission to instill confidence.
“Women-owned businesses often lack confidence, while men tend to be overly confident,” he observed. “Both self-doubt and an inflated sense of confidence can hold back entrepreneurs from realizing their full potential.”
Through personalized business planning and mentorship, Farrar helps his clients gain the self-assurance they need to lead effectively. He provides practical strategies, encourages clear communication, and fosters a supportive environment where every entrepreneur can thrive.
“I want business owners to see their capabilities and feel confident about their goals,” he said.
The Bigger Picture: Trends in Entrepreneurship
With his extensive experience, Farrar has a unique perspective on the trends shaping northwest Ohio’s entrepreneurial landscape.
“The lack of access to capital funding is a common challenge for women- and minority-owned businesses,” he noted. “This is something we’re actively addressing at Yellow Beet.”
Farrar has connected hundreds of businesses to funding opportunities, helping create over 400 jobs in the process. His efforts have strengthened the local economy while inspiring a culture of resilience among Toledo’s entrepreneurs.
Dinner with Racists: A Tool for Change
In addition to his business consulting, Farrar is committed to fostering anti-racism education. He co-created Dinner with Racists, a set of flashcards designed to help allies navigate difficult conversations about race.
The idea stemmed from a colleague’s struggle to respond to racist comments within her personal circles.
“She didn’t know how to approach the topic,” Farrar explained. “I realized there was a need for tools to help people address racism constructively.”
Farrar’s journey to creating Dinner with Racists was deeply personal, shaped by painful encounters with racism. Originally from Georgia, he moved to Ohio as a child, where he faced systemic prejudice that profoundly impacted him.
“I’ve been a victim of racial violence many times,” Farrar shared. “You’d think I would have experienced it in Georgia, but living outside of Cleveland was actually harder for me.”
Equipping Allies to Confront Racism
From over 50 negative encounters with law enforcement to enduring racist rhetoric in schools, Farrar learned to confront ignorance head-on.
“These experiences gave me the tools to debate people who refuse to acknowledge that racism still exists,” he said. “It’s not something I wanted to learn, but it’s a skill set I’ve had to develop out of necessity.”
This resilience became the foundation for Dinner with Racists, enabling Farrar to empower others to challenge racism in their circles. The flashcards tackle misconceptions, such as the “Black-on-Black crime” narrative, with fact-based responses to counter these harmful ideas.
“My way of helping change this country is by equipping allies to respond effectively to discriminatory conversations,” Farrar said. “It’s about creating a better future for everyone.”
A Passion for Urban Planning
Farrar’s approach to community development is informed by his background in urban planning, a field he pursued out of a lifelong love for maps and history.
“Urban planning shows us why things are the way they are and how they might be in the future,” he said. “It’s given me a deeper understanding of the systems that shape our communities.”
This knowledge has been invaluable in his work with Yellow Beet, enabling him to identify opportunities for growth in Toledo’s business ecosystem.
Balancing Leadership and Community Engagement
In addition to leading Yellow Beet, Farrar is deeply involved in the Toledo community. He serves on the board for the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Bowling Green State University and participates in initiatives like Forward Toledo, which promotes the city to young professionals.
He’s also a dedicated youth coach, balancing his professional responsibilities with his passion for mentoring the next generation.
“We’re all standing on the shoulders of those who came before us,” Farrar said. “I feel it’s important to pay it forward for future generations.”
A Well-Deserved Honor
Farrar’s recognition as one of Toledo’s 20 Under 40 honorees is a testament to his impact. Selected from a pool of 187 candidates, Farrar’s accomplishments reflect his unwavering commitment to service and leadership.
From providing free resources to fostering confidence and connection, Farrar’s work with Yellow Beet has transformed the lives of countless entrepreneurs. And while he’s proud of the progress he’s helped achieve, Farrar remains focused on the work ahead.
“There’s still so much to do,” he said. “But I’m excited to continue helping people reach their dreams.”
Looking Ahead
As Toledo grows, leaders like Kenny Farrar will play a crucial role in shaping its future. By addressing systemic barriers, fostering confidence, and championing equity, Farrar is cultivating a thriving business community that reflects our city’s resilience and potential.
For Toledo, the impact of Yellow Beet is more than just economic growth—it’s about creating a community where every entrepreneur has the tools and support they need to succeed. And with Kenny Farrar at the helm, that vision is a blossoming reality. Thank you for planting seeds of change that will bear fruit for years to come.
For business guidance & resources contact ask@yellowbeet.com