Application deadline just one week away on Oct. 9

(FLINT, Mich. Oct. 2, 2024) The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance’s Small Business Support Hub, with support from The State Bank, is proud to announce the Two-Lane Fast Pitch Competition, an exciting opportunity for new and growing businesses in the region to compete for up to $10,000 in funding.

The competition, which features two tracks for for-profit businesses at different stages, will take place during a closed event on Nov. 14, 2024. Eligible businesses must act quickly – applications are now open and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2024.

“This competition is designed to support both startup businesses and established micro-enterprises in our community,” said Leila Hathway, Vice President of Compliance at The State Bank. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to grow their operations, and we’re proud to play a part in fostering their success through this initiative.”

According to Hathaway, businesses operating for less than one year as of Nov.14, 2024, are eligible to compete for prizes up to $5,000. Businesses operating for more than one year and with 10 or fewer full-time employees can compete for prizes up to $10,000.

To be eligible for the competition, an applicant’s business and residential address must be in Genesee County. At least of those addresses must be located in an area classified as low or moderate income (LMI) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

To determine LMI status, applicants can visit GeoMap.ffiec.gov/ffiecgeomap, enter their address, and select Census Demographic Data. An address is classified as LMI if the Tract Income Level is listed as either Low or Moderate. For inconclusive results or additional assistance, applicants can contact the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance at 810-600-1406.

To apply, a business must submit a business plan and up-to-date articles of incorporation.

Businesses selected to advance in the competition must attend a mandatory training session hosted by Doxa Development on Oct. 29, from noon to 2 p.m. Following this training, six finalists – three from each track – will be selected to compete in a closed pitch event on Nov. 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“The Two-Lane Fast Pitch Competition is a wonderful example of the kinds of resources available to businesses in Flint & Genesee,” said Karena Hamlet, director of Business Services at the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “We have a network of organizations – including the Flint CRA Bankers Forum and The State Bank – that are invested in seeing our local entrepreneurial community succeed. We’re proud to support initiatives that empower small businesses and help them achieve their goals.”

To learn more or to apply, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org/pitch.