Anyone who owns and operates a small business within the city of Flint. Small businesses for this program will be defined as 20 or fewer employees. Applicants must have an existing business plan. (Technical assistance is available for those who need it.) The business may not be a franchise. It also must be in good standing and not in bankruptcy, as of the date of submission. The owner(s) must not be listed on the Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry. The owner cannot be an employee, nor an immediate family member of an employee, of the Flint & Genesee Group and its divisions or subsidiaries.
Complete qualification LOI section of application first.
New cohort grantees will be awarded up to $10,000 to expand their businesses; alumni will be awarded up to $5,000. Allowable uses of grants funds include repairs and leasehold improvements, and/or the purchase of inventory and equipment. Funds may not be used for payroll, rent, staffing or mortgage payments. Additionally, debt service on any federal, state or local taxes owed are not eligible expenses for program consideration.)
Statement of need or opportunity for business growth by the proposed use of funds
Business/trade references (3)
A proposed project and cost estimates in a budget
A business plan
A Business Finance Statement – a business bank account or business credit card statement that shows availability of $3,000 for the reimbursable nature of this grant.
The application process is FREE. Program staff does NOT recommend using a third party, paid service for assistance to prepare an application. If you are having difficulties, or have questions about the application, please contact tjoseph@flintandgenesee.org.
A Grant Review Committee comprised of representatives from General Motors, the City of Flint, local grant-making organizations, and community members will review all applications and come to a decision. Evaluations will be based on the following criteria:
Business History – Quality of business history, evidence of longevity
Business Plan/Future Potential – Quality of business plan, future sustainability
Use of Funds – Alignment between expressed scope of work, need, and proposed fund usage
Financials/Tax Returns
Selected grantees will be provided a grant agreement, outlining all deliverable requirements, reporting deadlines, payment schedule, etc.
The grant period for Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant program will run from May 14, 2025 to November 1, 2025. Grantees will be required to submit an interim and final report that details progress towards business improvements, service project, and impact made to the business through the grant and technical assistance. The interim report will be due by August 6, 2025 and the final report will be due by November 1, 2025. Submission of these reports and satisfactory approval from the Program Administrator will release the second and final grant distributions.
