Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub to Help Entrepreneurs Harness the Power of Storytelling

FLINT, Michigan — Entrepreneurs across Flint and Genesee County will soon have an opportunity to strengthen one of the most powerful tools behind business growth: their story.

On Thursday, June 25, the Flint & Genesee Group Small Business Support Hub, a program of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, will host “Selling a Story that Wins,” an evening focused on helping entrepreneurs craft compelling narratives that can attract funding, partnerships, and community support. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the historic Factory One in downtown Flint.

According to the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, the event was created in direct response to conversations with local business owners seeking guidance on how to better position themselves for success.

“The idea came from listening to our clients,” says Karena Hamlet, program director of business services at Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group in Michigan. “Many of the businesses we work with ask for advice on how to complete a winning grant application or how to prepare to ace a pitch competition, so we thought it might be good to bring individuals to share their experiences and expertise to a panel to speak to that.”

The event will bring together entrepreneurs, resource partners, and business leaders for discussions centered on storytelling, strategy, and relationship-building. Hamlet says she hopes attendees leave with practical tools for communicating their business vision in ways that resonate with funders and supporters.

For small business owners, storytelling has become just as important as the product or service itself.

“People love to know the why,” Hamlet says. “Why an entrepreneur started a business, why they’re looking to grow, or why they continue to work toward their dream. The ‘why’ is important in getting the attention of funders, partners, or the community.”

Hamlet says many entrepreneurs struggle to strike the right balance when explaining their work and long-term goals.

“Some entrepreneurs can be too technical, while others can be too imaginative,” Hamlet says. “It is important to find that balance.”

Additional information about the event is available here.