(FLINT, Mich. – May 5, 2016) The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce is hosting an informational meeting May 11 for Flint small businesses interested in applying for a Moving Flint Forward Fund grant. The session will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St.
The grant program was established to help small businesses affected financially by the Flint water crisis. Grants up to $10,000 are available to businesses that meet the criteria.
The orientation will include a presentation about the grant program and guidelines, as well as information about the funders and their vision for the small business community. Participants will receive an application package and detailed instructions on the proper completion and submission of the application.
Grants may be used for:
- Expansion
- Repairs
- Inventory
- Leasehold improvements
- Working capital
- Water filtration and reimbursements
- Vendor payments & debt service
- Marketing & advertising
Prospective applicants must own and operate a business within the city of Flint, and be able to prove financial hardship as a result of the current economy and water crisis. Special consideration will be given to minority-owned businesses but franchise operations are not eligible for this program.
Please RSVP with Tracy Joseph at to reserve a spot. Those who RSVP will have priority seating over those who register at the event.
The funds are part of the economic development program established by the FlintNOW Foundation, created by Platinum Equity founder and Detroit Pistons Owner Tom Gores, and Huntington Bank to support homeowners, businesses, entrepreneurs and residents of Flint and Genesee County. That program donated $1 million to the Genesee Chamber Foundation’s Moving Flint Forward Fund, which will award the grants.