Today, on Dec. 3, General Motors (GM) and the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce announce a second round of its grant program created to help Flint small businesses grow and thrive. Thanks to $210,000 in additional funding from GM, the Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program will award grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses in Flint that meet certain criteria.
The grants, which will be awarded on a competitive basis, must be used to advance the businesses’ operations, such as expansion projects, making repairs or leasehold improvements, purchasing inventory and equipment or façade improvements. Online-only businesses are also encouraged to apply. Additionally, GM has earmarked 10 grants for minority-owned businesses, as defined by race and ethnicity, to help address racial disparities in the community.
Much like the previous round, this year’s program is open to anyone who owns and operates a small business within the city of Flint. Small businesses for this program are defined as having 25 or fewer employees and may not be a franchise operation. Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from GM, the Flint & Genesee Chamber, the city of Flint, local grant-making organizations and community members.
“GM has been part of the Flint community for more than 100 years,” said Terry Rhadigan, GM’s executive director of corporate giving.
“We’re eager to continue our partnership with the Flint & Genesee Chamber to expand revitalization efforts across the city’s neighborhoods by supporting local businesses,” Rhadigan added.
“General Motors is an outstanding corporate citizen of our community,” said Chamber CEO Tim Herman.
“On behalf of our small business community and the people they employ, I again say thank you to GM for its investments in Flint and Genesee County,” Herman added. “From the capital investments in its automotive operations here to its corporate philanthropy that greatly impacts the lives of our people and institutions, GM continues to be an invaluable stakeholder and partner in our region’s progress.”
Technical assistance will be provided to assist with the application process, implementation and tracking of grant activities to ensure requirements are met and businesses are using funds appropriately. Grantees will also be connected to resources that will help bolster the capacity of their businesses beyond the grant period. Grantees will have access to networking opportunities and workshops on various topics, such as online digitization of services/goods, leadership styles, navigating access to capital, workers’ compensation and labor laws.
The application is available at flintandgenesee.org/moving-flint-forward/moving-flint-forward-small-business-grant-program/.
The application deadline is 5 p.m. Dec. 30. Applications may be submitted online, mailed or hand-delivered to the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, 519 S. Saginaw St., Flint, 48502. Mailed application must be postmarked by 5 p.m. Dec. 30.
In addition, an informational webinar for prospective applicants will be held from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Dec. 8. The webinar, which will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube, will cover eligibility requirements and use of funds. Click here for event details: http://flintandgeneseemi.chambermaster.com/events/details/moving-flint-forward-grant-info-session-11790.
More information about the Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program, including the online application, process for completion and submission deadline, is available at FlintandGenesee.org/Moving-Flint-Forward. For questions about the application or grant program, please contact tjoseph@flintandgenesee.org.
