Funding available for small businesses through ‘Moving Flint Forward’

GM increases funding for next round of Moving Flint Forward Grant Program

(Flint, Mich., March 2, 2023) Today, General Motors (GM) and the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance announced the next round of its Moving Flint Forward Grant Program created to help local businesses grow and thrive. Thanks to an increased financial commitment of $270,000 from GM, the Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program will award 17 grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Flint businesses that are new to the program. Additionally, this year, six Moving Flint Forward alumni are eligible to receive up to $5,000 each to take the next step in their business’s growth.

The grants — awarded on a competitive basis — must be used to advance the businesses’ operations, such as expansion projects, making repairs or leasehold improvements, purchasing inventory and equipment, or façade improvements. They cannot be used for payroll, rent, staffing, mortgage payments, or debt service on any federal, state, or local taxes owed. Additionally, to help address racial disparities within the community, a majority of the grants will be awarded to diverse-owned businesses.

“Since 2019, Moving Flint Forward has unlocked opportunity for 45 Flint-based small businesses,” said Terry Rhadigan, Vice President of Corporate Giving at GM. “Together with the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, we invite entrepreneurs to join the ranks of impressive business owners who are creating progress in this great city.”

This grant brings GM’s total support of the program to $890,000. Since 2019, 45 businesses have participated in the Moving Flint Forward program, which also connects grantees to resources that will help bolster the capacity of their businesses beyond the grant period. Grantees are required to participate in cohort meetings, where they have access to networking opportunities and workshops on various topics related to running a business.

“For our business community to thrive, access to capital is critical,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Economic Alliance, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group. “So are supports like technical assistance, networking opportunities, and trainings. With GM’s continued and increased investment in Moving Flint Forward, we’re better able to help our small businesses succeed, which strengthens our neighborhoods and economy in the process.”

This round of the grant program is open to anyone who owns and operates a small business within the city of Flint. Small businesses for this program are defined as having 20 or fewer employees and may not be a franchise operation.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. March 22. Applications may be submitted online, mailed, or hand-delivered to the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, 519 S. Saginaw St., Flint, 48502. Mailed applications must be postmarked by 5 p.m. March 22.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from GM, the Economic Alliance, the City of Flint, local grant-making organizations and community members. Grant recipients will be notified the week of April 17.

Technical assistance will be provided to assist with the application process, implementation, and tracking of grant activities to ensure requirements are met and businesses are using funds appropriately. An informational webinar, covering eligibility requirements and use of funds for prospective applicants, will be held March 6 from 11 a.m. to noon. Click here for event details.

Additionally, if applicants have questions following the webinar, Economic Alliance staff will be available to answer questions until Tuesday, March 21. Please allow at least a day for response. The team will also host a virtual office hours session on March 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. and an in-person office hours session on March 13. The in-person session will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Berston Field House, 3300 Saginaw St., Flint.

For the online application, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org/Moving-Flint-Forward. Paper applications will also be available during the informational session and for pick-up at Berston Fieldhouse in Flint. For questions about the application or grant program, contact Tracy at tjoseph@flintandgenesee.org.

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun, and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.

About Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance

The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group, is the lead economic development organization for Flint and Genesee County. To build a more vibrant local economy, the Economic Alliance provides tools, resources, and guidance to local companies of all sizes and stages to support their growth. The division also promotes available sites, workforce, and unique assets to attract growth-oriented businesses to Genesee County. For more information, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org.