An informational session for business owners interested in applying for the Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program will be held Oct. 8 at Bethlehem Temple Church, 3401 Martin Luther King Ave., in Flint.
Attendees will learn about the application process, including the filing deadlines and the various documents that will be required to proceed. The session – which will run from 1-2:30 p.m. – will also cover details about the requirement that calls for businesses receiving grants to support a nonprofit organization in the community.
“Whether you have already applied for the grants program or are still considering it, you should attend this session to gain a fuller understanding the various requirements,” said Lottie Ferguson, director of grants and development at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, which is administering the program. “Attendance isn’t mandatory, but I highly recommend it for anyone who’s interested in applying.”
Funded by the General Motors, the program will award grants up to $10,000 to help eligible small businesses in Flint expand, make repairs and leasehold improvements, purchase inventory and equipment, and make façade improvements. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis after completing an application, which includes explaining how the funds will be used and the impact the improvements will have on the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, businesses will be required to support a nonprofit neighborhood organization and show evidence of assistance delivered, such as volunteering, coordinating a service project or providing pro bono services.
The program is open to anyone who owns and operates a small business within the city of Flint. Small businesses for this program will be defined as 20 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.
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, and connections to resources that will bolster the businesses’ capacity beyond the grant period.
Representatives from the University of Michigan-Flint Innovation Incubator, Michigan Small Business Development Center, Metro Community Development and VetBiz Central will be present at the Oct. 8 session for business owners who need assistance.
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.