(Flint, Mich., 05/28/2026) — Stories are currency – the kind that fuels resilience, sparks collaboration and opens doors. On Thursday, June 25, the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub will bring that spirit to center stage with “Selling a Story that Wins,” an evening designed to help entrepreneurs transform their lived experiences and business visions into narratives that attract funding and opportunity.
Hosted from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the historic Dort‑Durant Factory One (303 W. Water St., Flint), the event will gather founders, visionaries and resource partners under one roof to explore how a business’s story can help shape its future.
“We want people to walk away knowing that their voice, their story and their business matter and that with the right pitch, they can open doors they never thought possible,” said Karena Hamlet, director of business services for Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance.
“This event is about helping entrepreneurs find that voice and use it to unlock real opportunities,” Hamlet added.
The showcase of the night is a panel of storytelling experts, from those who have done it themselves to those who have heard it all. The panel includes:
- Andy Williams, DOXA Development, whose Flint SOUP pitch win helped propel his vision forward
- Leila Hathaway, ChoiceOne Bank, who has a real-world perspective on what decision-makers are listening for and how to make your message stand out
- Cynthia Hines, founder of PawPaw’s Pickles, who turned a family recipe into a growing brand
- Bre’Asia Hamlin, Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub, who works daily with business owners navigating the path to finding resources and discovering what makes a pitch application great
Together, they’ll share what makes a pitch memorable, what funders listen for, and how authenticity can be a business’s most powerful asset.
The event will also highlight the ecosystem of support in the region, including the Flint & Genesee Business Bridge, an online directory and business network dedicated to connecting and amplifying BIPOC small businesses.
Participants can also expect dinner from a local food entrepreneur and an opportunity to learn from other local entrepreneurs.
For more information and to register for this no-cost event, visit https://developflintandgenesee.org/event/selling-a-story-that-wins/.
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 them out on Facebook and LinkedIn.
