(Flint, Mich., Feb. 26, 2025) – Today, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance launched a new round of the Moving Flint Forward grant program. The program, created to help local businesses grow and thrive, will support 16 new businesses and 10 Moving Flint Forward alumni thanks to a 2024 General Motors (GM) grant of $270,000.  

New grantees are eligible for grants up to $10,000 and alumni are eligible for grants up to $5,000. The grants – awarded on a competitive basis – must be used to advance the businesses’ operations such building and property improvements, equipment, inventory, raw materials, licensing and permits, marketing and promotions, and training programs. These grants cannot be used for payroll, rent, staffing, mortgage payments, or debt service on any federal, state, or local taxes owed.  

This round of the Moving Flint Forward grants brings GM’s total support for Flint small businesses to $1.43 million. Since its inception in 2019, more than 80 businesses have participated in Moving Flint Forward and, through the program, have been connected with resources to bolster their capacity beyond the grant period. These resources include networking opportunities and workshops on topics related to running a business.  

“The growth of our small business community is critical to the growth of our region,” says Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “When we have thriving small businesses, we see our community become a place where people want to live, work, and play. GM’s investment shows their commitment to small businesses and the region’s growth.”  

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

Applications must be submitted online and are due by March 21 at 5 p.m. Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from GM, the City of Flint, local grant-making organizations, and community members. Grant recipients will be notified in April.   

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 on March 3, noon-1 p.m. at Berston Field House, 3300 Saginaw St., Flint. 

Additionally, if applicants have questions following the webinar, Economic Alliance staff will be available to answer questions until Thursday, March 20. The team will also host in-person open office hours on March 10 and 17, noon-3 p.m. at Berston Field House.  

For the online application, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org/Moving-Flint-Forward. For questions about the application or grant program, contact Tracy Joseph, business support manager at the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, 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.