Moving Flint Forward

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving Flint Forward FAQs

Have a question about the Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program? Review the list of frequently asked questions below.

  • 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. Application process is currently closed.
  • 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.)
  • Create a business profile, access the Moving Flint Forward 2024 application and complete the LOI section to determine initial eligibility. Application process is currently closed.
  • If you meet the criteria, you will receive an invite by email to complete the full application.
  • Your business story
  • 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.
  • Applications may be submitted online. All application must be submitted through the online portal. No handwritten applications will be accepted.
  • 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.
  • Completed online applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024.
  • A Grant Review Committee comprised of representatives from the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, 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.
  • View an example of the Scoring Rubric that will be used by the Grant Review Committee
  • Funding for new cohort grantees will be dispersed in three payments: 40 percent; 30 percent; 30 percent.
    • 40 percent will be distributed after grant agreements have been signed
    • 30 percent will be distributed after an interim report has been submitted and the Program Administrator has deemed all requirements fulfilled
    • The final 30 percent payment will be issued upon submission of the final report and the Program Administrator has deemed all requirements fulfilled.
  • Funding for alumni grantees will be dispersed in two payments
    • 50 percent will be distributed after the grant agreement is signed
    • The remaining 50 percent will be issued upon submission of the final report and the Program Administrator has deemed all requirements fulfilled
  • The grant period for Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant program will run from May 10, 2024 to November 1, 2024. 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 2, 2024 and the final report will be due by November 1, 2024. Submission of these reports and satisfactory approval from the Program Administrator will release the second and final grant distributions.