Flint, Mich., 06/02/2026) — The Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub and the Michigan Good Food Fund are partnering to support growth-stage food businesses by helping entrepreneurs master their finances, scale their operations and access the tools and resources needed for long-term success.
“We are excited to partner with the Michigan Good Food Fund to bring this compelling program to food-based businesses in Genesee County,” says Karena Hamlet, program director of business services at the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance.
“By the end of this program, businesses in the cohort will be ready to strengthen their operations and scale with confidence,” Hamlet added.
The Growth & Financial Fluency Cohort will be held at the Crim Fitness Foundation (719 Harrison Street, Flint) on July 8, 15, 22, and 29. Each session begins with a 9 a.m. breakfast networking, followed by expert-led training from 9:30 – 11 a.m.
“Michigan’s food entrepreneurs play a critical role in creating jobs, strengthening local economies and improving food access in their communities,” said Shakir Bralock, program director of Michigan Good Food Fund.
Bralock added: “Through the Growth & Financial Fluency Cohort, we’re helping food-based businesses build their financial management skills and a strategic foundation needed to scale their impact. We’re proud to partner with the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance to ensure entrepreneurs have access to the knowledge, resources and support necessary to grow and thrive.”
Applications are now open. Interested applicants must submit a pre-application/letter of intent by June 17 to be considered. After review, eligible applicants will receive a link to apply. All applications are due by June 22. Accepted applicants will be notified by June 29.
Sessions throughout the program include:
- Knowing Your Numbers, taught by Ederique “Chef E” Goudia
- Licensing and Regulations, taught by Ederique “Chef E” Goudia
- Marketing and the Customer Journey, taught by Erika Tebbens
- Growth and Scaling for Food-Based Businesses, taught by Nezaa Bandele
This series will equip owners with tools, strategies and clarity to increase profitability, streamline operations, and build long-term success.
For more information and to start the application, visit developflintandgenesee.org/event/2026-growth-financial-fluency-cohort/2026-07-08/.
About the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub
The Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub, a program of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, is one of 27 hubs established through the State of Michigan’s Small Business Support Hub Program. In Flint & Genesee, the Hub offers comprehensive, no-cost support to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Genesee County through technical assistance, personalized coaching, and connections to help them take their businesses to the next level. In addition to providing support and referrals to local partners and resources, the Hub hosts events and training throughout the year to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in Genesee County grow. Small businesses and entrepreneurs can get connected to the Hub by attending office hours at Berston Field House in Flint and the Fenton & Linden Chamber of Commerce every Monday, or by visiting the Hub’s website at DevelopFlintandGenesee.org/Hub. For more information about the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org, and check us out on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Michigan Good Food Fund
Michigan Good Food Fund is a statewide lending network that invests in food and farm entrepreneurs across the state, offering flexible financing and tailored business assistance to grow a more resilient, inclusive local food system. Michigan Good Food Fund meets entrepreneurs where they are, connects them with what they need and builds long-term relationships that help their businesses thrive. As they work toward a more resilient, inclusive food industry, Michigan Good Food Fund focuses on entrepreneurs whose access to power and capital has been historically limited because of their race, ethnicity and/or gender. Michigan Good Food Fund’s efforts are guided by the shared vision of their Stakeholder Board, a diverse group of entrepreneurs, farmers, funders and policymakers with deep roots in Michigan. To learn more, visit MiGoodFoodFund.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
