Moving Flint Forward FAQ - Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance

Moving Flint Forward FAQs

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

Who can apply?

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.
Complete qualification questionnaire: 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.)

What do I need to get started?

Complete the online questionnaire to see if you qualify. Application process is currently closed.
If you meet the criteria, you will receive immediately an online application for the program. You will also be able to download and print the application.

Your business story
Statement of need or challenge to be addressed by the proposed use of funds
Business/trade references (3)
A proposed project and cost estimates in a budget
A business plan and two years of business financials, or two years of tax returns, will be requested after your application has been submitted and your business is determined to meet eligibility requirements by program staff

How do I submit my application?

Application process is currently closed.
Applications may be submitted online. Printed applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance.
Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance
519 Saginaw St., Suite 200
Flint, MI 48502
ATTN: Tracy Joseph
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 applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Mail or hand-deliver completed application packet by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 to:
Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance
519 Saginaw St., Suite 200
Flint, MI 48502
Attn: Tracy Joseph

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 will run from April 1, 2023, to December 1, 2023. 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 1, 2023 and the final report will be due by December 1, 2023. Submission of these reports and satisfactory approval from the Program Administrator will release the second and final grant distributions.