Two Lane Fast Pitch Competition returns, offering Flint small businesses funds to grow

FLINT, Michigan — Small businesses in Genesee County have a chance to compete for cash prizes and growth opportunities through the second annual Two Lane Fast Pitch Competition, presented by the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance’s Small Business Support Hub in partnership with ChoiceOne Bank.

The competition, set for Oct. 21 at the Gateway Center Wyndham Hotel, will feature two tracks: the Startup Lane for businesses incorporated less than a year before Oct. 21, and the Micro Lane for those incorporated more than a year ago. Both categories are open to for-profit businesses with 10 or fewer employees that are not franchisees.

Winners will receive $5,000 in the Startup Lane and $10,000 in the Micro Lane. To qualify, businesses must be located in Genesee County and classified as low- or moderate-income (LMI). Applicants can verify their eligibility at GeoMap.ffiec.gov/ffiecgeomap. For help interpreting results or confirming LMI status, contact the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance at 810-600-1414.

To apply, businesses must submit a business plan and up-to-date articles of incorporation and be in good standing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Selected applicants will attend a mandatory training session on Oct. 16, before six finalists — three in each track — advance to the final pitch competition.

“We are excited, once again, to partner on this amazing competition designed to help both startups and established micro businesses in our community,” said Leila Hathway, senior compliance officer at ChoiceOne Bank. “This opportunity can drive a business forward and help scale its operation, and we are proud to be able to foster that success.”

“We are grateful to be able to partner with ChoiceOne Bank to bring this competition back for a second year,” added Karena Hamlet, program director of business services for the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “They’ve been extremely supportive of the Small Business Support Hub and our efforts to help small businesses in Genesee County grow and thrive.”

Applications are open now through the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. To learn more about the application process and requirements, click here.