(Flint, Mich., Feb. 26, 2025) – Today, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance launched a new round of the Moving Flint Forward grant program. The program, created to help local businesses grow and thrive, will support 16 new businesses and 10 Moving Flint Forward alumni thanks to a 2024 General Motors (GM) grant of $270,000.
New grantees are eligible for grants up to $10,000 and alumni are eligible for grants up to $5,000. The grants – awarded on a competitive basis – must be used to advance the businesses’ operations such building and property improvements, equipment, inventory, raw materials, licensing and permits, marketing and promotions, and training programs. These grants cannot be used for payroll, rent, staffing, mortgage payments, or debt service on any federal, state, or local taxes owed.
This round of the Moving Flint Forward grants brings GM’s total support for Flint small businesses to $1.43 million. Since its inception in 2019, more than 80 businesses have participated in Moving Flint Forward and, through the program, have been connected with resources to bolster their capacity beyond the grant period. These resources include networking opportunities and workshops on topics related to running a business.
“The growth of our small business community is critical to the growth of our region,” says Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “When we have thriving small businesses, we see our community become a place where people want to live, work, and play. GM’s investment shows their commitment to small businesses and the region’s growth.”
Read the full news release on the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance’s website.