236 small businesses, nonprofits receive grants, keep 1,950 jobs

236 small businesses, nonprofits receive grants, keep 1,950 jobs

Grants totaling more than $2.34 million have been awarded to 236 small businesses and nonprofits in Flint and Genesee County through the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s (MEDC) Michigan Small Business Restart Program. In Genesee County, the grants, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, helped to retain 1,950 jobs at area businesses. The grantees represent a variety […]

52 Flint, Genesee small businesses awarded $5,000 grants to help relieve damage caused by COVID-19

52 Flint, Genesee small businesses awarded $5,000 grants to help relieve damage caused by COVID-19

Fifty-two small businesses in Flint and Genesee County were each awarded a $5,000 grant from the Michigan Small Business Relief Program to compensate for damages caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), which funds the program, allotted Genesee County $260,000 for the grants. The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce was […]

Michigan hopes to become land of OZ with launch of its Opportunity Zone website 

Michigan hopes to become land of OZ with launch of its Opportunity Zone website 

While many Michigan’s urban cities’ economic recovery programs have gained momentum, there is concern those efforts may not be moving fast enough or are far enough along. Visibility is often a problem. Investors, entrepreneurs, community leaders, developers, builders and other critical stakeholders need to “see” incentives, in order to “seize” them, according to development experts […]

Fashion 101: Kala Wilburn’s workshop will help new businesses avoid pitfalls

Fashion 101: Kala Wilburn’s workshop will help new businesses avoid pitfalls

There’s more to the fashion industry to than runways and glossy photos.  From noon to 1:30 p.m. April 18 at Ferris Wheel, 615 South Saginaw St., Flint designers and clothing retailers can attend a fashion business workshop. The event will be hosted by Kala Wilburn, founder of Fannie Lucille clothing and Vehicle City Fashion Week, who will share her insider knowledge […]

Flint will help lead Michigan into the future of cyber security

Flint will help lead Michigan into the future of cyber security

Flint and other areas of Michigan could soon experience a cyber explosion – in the best kind of way. Small businesses, government employees, internet technology professionals and students from kindergarten through 12th grade will all see doors to information and opportunity opened with an initiative Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to announce today. Snyder is […]

Flint, Pontiac win eligibility approval for Opportunity Zone investment initiative

Flint, Pontiac win eligibility approval for Opportunity Zone investment initiative

Flint and Genesee County are among areas in 18 states approved for federal support that could help boost job creation and economic improvement. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service approved Michigan’s application for Opportunity Zones, communities eligible for tax benefits designed to improve the quality of life for their residents by […]