A second round of funding is available for Flint small businesses. Thanks to $210,000 in additional funding from General Motors, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce’s Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program will award grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses in Flint that meet certain criteria. The grants, which will be […]
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 […]
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 Consumers Energy Foundation has provided $200,000 in grants to be used to assist small businesses in Genesee County that have suffered economic distress because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. The contribution will help establish “Restart Flint & Genesee,” a special recovery program from which the Flint […]
Since 2014, SIAK founder Vantrell Erving has been daring his customers to say “It ain’t krispy.” “The term “krispy” means very clean, fresh, stylish and just being on point from head to toe,” Erving explains. “Our name really sets the tone for our service and reputation. Because we never want clients to be able to […]
Lev Hunter is creating a better Flint one cup of coffee at a time. “When you come to see me, it’s never “‘here’s your coffee, thanks and have a good day,’” says the owner of The Daily Brew. “I’m going to talk to you. I’m going to teach you about coffee and how I’m making […]
Oaklin Mixon believes everybody is chasing something. “It can be personal success, wholesome relationships, anything,” says the founder and creative director of GoodBoy Clothing. He also stresses that when you start to run after anything there will be challenges that have to be encountered, and ultimately endured, in order to get to the finish line. […]
There was a time when Jemini Green cared a lot more about fitting in. As a high school student he wanted affirmation for wearing the clothing styles and making the fashion choices most commonly accepted by his peers. His personal transformation and embrace of his individuality led Jemini to a decision: He’d rather start trends […]
Not all accidents happen by mistake. Santoya Lewis’ work-related injury has led her to answer a call of entrepreneurship she might never have recognized. Since spring Lewis has operated a one-woman business that fills a niche in the community and inspired her efforts to create opportunities for other entrepreneurs to network and increase their visibility. […]
There was a time when Beverly Biggs-Leavy says she “couldn’t boil water,” let alone cook a decent meal. She left Flint at 18 to live in Detroit, but she wasn’t alone. “I had a daughter and all I would give her was fast food and cereal,” Biggs-Leavy, 60, says. As the young mom’s learning curve […]