By the time Armando “Mando” Vasquez applied for his first Moving Flint Forward grant, Smoke Rattle & Roll had been open for just over two years – at least on paper. The barbecue fusion restaurant launched in January 2020 inside the University of Michigan-Flint pavilion, just months before the pandemic prompted the business to go on an 18-month hiatus.

So, when he sat down to write his application, Vasquez had less than a year of actual operation under his belt. He also lacked a business plan –  a requirement to apply.

“I had (Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance Business Support Manager) Tracy on speed dial,” said Vasquez. “There were quite a few steps to submit, and it helped to have her as a resource. She really helped me navigate the process.”

Ultimately, Vasquez turned around a solid business plan and ended up receiving $10,000 through Moving Flint Forward, a grant program from the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance and funded by General Motors. He used that money to invest in a mobile commissary, or food truck, which allowed him to take his smoked meats on the road starting in 2023.

Then – after the program expanded thanks to increased support from GM – he applied for additional funding and was one of several program alumni to receive a $5,000 grant earlier this year. In his case, Vasquez used the funding to cover ServSafe certifications, new equipment, and some service work on his smoker.

“Our first year with the truck was a learning experience,” Vasquez. “This year, I did a lot of networking. I met people in the industry who helped me find events where there was more likely to be a captive audience.”

Today, things are going well for the eatery, which now has three full-time employees and has seen an increase in its sales compared to the same time last year.

“That tells me we’re doing something right,” Vasquez said. “We’re going to continue pushing, delivering good product and quality service.”

Looking back at his time in Moving Flint Forward, Vasquez says the funding and trainings have been key to his business growth. However, the most significant impact came from meeting the program’s initial requirements. That business plan he wrote? He used it to apply for – and secure – a Lift Local business loan through Huntington Bank, too.

“It’s definitely helped me in more ways than one,” he said

Looking forward, Vasquez has big plans: “My goal is to increase my brick-and-mortar locations and food trucks over the next five to 10 years.”

Smoke, Rattle & Roll is open at the University of Michigan-Flint pavilion Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. He also regularly updates the business’ Facebook and Instagram with info about when and where the food truck will be. For more information, visit srrflint.com.