Two brands. One backstory…and a move forward plan for Flint

Two brands. One backstory…and a move forward plan for Flint

There’s a back story behind every entrepreneur, particularly in Flint, the birthplace of a new creative class that is showing that there is more underneath the hood of the city than its automotive culture. Two of its serial entrepreneurs — Beats X Beers Founder Brandon Corder and Eight One Zero Founder James Thigpen, Jr.— recently […]

Small businesses get support with the introduction of the BIG Series

Small businesses get support with the introduction of the BIG Series

Small and black-owned businesses are the lifeblood of many city neighborhoods and business districts.  In Flint, they have too often been among the last to arrive and the first to falter.  The COVID-19 pandemic has only served to heighten the challenges this fragile, yet increasingly important, business sector faces, according to representatives of the  Inter-Faith Small […]

The Industry Club: Where the young fashion forward crowd meets new business opportunities

The Industry Club: Where the young fashion forward crowd meets new business opportunities

Part trendsetter, social media expert and influencer, teens bring innate abilities and energy. It’s ingrained in their DNA. And now, thanks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeasern Michigan (BGCSM) and its partners, talented teens will have the opporunity to marry their natural abilities with business opportuntieis in an effort aimed at building Michigan’s […]

Dope Flint brand expands in Detroit

Dope Flint brand expands in Detroit

The impact of COVID-19 has left many business owners across America in a state of uncertainty as they try to figure out how to adjust to our economy’s new normal. For Oaklin J. Mixon, founder of GoodBoy Clothing, he’s choosing to move forward and break new ground with a second store location. In conjunction with […]

Tire Project aims to get Flint residents on the road to success

Tire Project aims to get Flint residents on the road to success

Most everyone wants work to work. And with unemployment rising, it’s particularly important that those that seek work are well-qualified to fill open positions. That’s a part of the motivation behind Flint Innovative Solutions newly announced partnership with Delta Tire, which aims to help North Flint residents start a career in the automotive repair industry. […]

Returning citizens program gets critical infusion of support

Returning citizens program gets critical infusion of support

Returning home can be a bumpy process for many returning citizens. Too often times they come home to homelessness and face elevated employment, health and mental health challenges, according to M.A.D.E. Institute’s Executive Director Leon El-Alamin. Homes mean hope for many formerly incarcerated men and women “When basic needs like housing aren’t met, individuals are […]

Glam Shops reopening is testament of faith

Glam Shops reopening is testament of faith

Wow. The world has changed so much since March. Our stores were shuttered and dusty, then riots and racial tension. All this, along with economic uncertainty makes this seem like a time to scale back and develop a “wait and see” strategy. However, that has never been my leadership style. I am and hope to always […]

Out-of-School Network offers virtual summer camp

Out-of-School Network offers virtual summer camp

If you were wondering what to do with your kids this summer now that some many activities have been canceled the Out-of-School Network has an answer. It will offer a free summer camp in Flint from June 22 to July 31. It will just be a little different. It’ll be virtual. This year’s summer camp […]