‘Moving Flint Forward’ program offers grants up to $10K to local small businesses

FLINT, Michigan — Small businesses in the Flint area have another chance to receive a grant with the ‘Moving Flint Forward’ grant program. The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, working with General Motors, has announced the grant program returning for new applicants as well as alumni. 

The program is open to all small businesses in the Flint and Genesee area. Small businesses are categorized as businesses with 20 or fewer employees and are not franchised. There will be 17 grant recipients with up to $10,000 for each. 

Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance said, “This is all about providing small businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed. We hope to increase their sustainability and reduce any barriers they may face in growing their businesses.”

The grant is encouraged to be used for projects, repairs, and/or the improvement of businesses to attract more customers or clients. The grant does not cover the cost of taxes, rent, or payroll. The hope is that recipients will use the grant funding to take their businesses to the next level to create more value and impact in their communities.

There is also an opportunity for six businesses that have already received the grant in the past to get an additional $5,000 with the ‘Moving Flint Forward’ alumni program. This is a great way to keep businesses thriving in the area while connecting them to resources that the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance offers. 

“This program has helped many 'Moving Flint Forward' alumni take their businesses to the next level,” said Rossmaessler. “In our last round, recipients used the funding for everything from installing new flooring in a dance studio to buying a trailer to transport landscaping equipment. For some, all they need is that small push – be it funding to buy a new piece of equipment or a new connection in their professional network – to take on new clients and grow their revenue.”

The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance have a mission for helping small businesses in the community by providing them with the support they need. 

“In 2021, we conducted the Genesee County Small Business Analysis, which found that 59 percent of small businesses in Genesee County are led by someone who is Black, Indigenous, and/or a person of color (BIPOC), and just over half of these businesses are in their first five years of operation,” said Rossmaessler. “Considering that, in Genesee County, 67 percent of BIPOC-owned businesses cease operations before their sixth year of business, support for these businesses is especially critical.”

Applicants are advised to apply by 5 p.m. on March 22, 2023, either online, by mail, or they can hand it in at the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, located at 519 S. Saginaw St. in Flint.

There is also an informational webinar applicants are encouraged to watch from the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance.

In the last four years, GM has worked with the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance to help 45 businesses in the community and has given $890,000 total in support of the 'Moving Flint Forward' grant program. The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance is a division of the Flint & Genesee Group that focuses on helping small businesses get the support they need.

For more info about the 'Moving Flint Forward' program and to view the grant application, click here.