A grant supporting small businesses of several sizes and stages in their development from the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance’s Small Business Support Hub will allow 25 local businesses to purchase equipment, inventory, software and hardware, furniture, specialized consulting services, marketing, and certifications or licensing fees in an effort to grow their businesses.
“With the second round of grants from the Small Business Support Hub, we wanted to be intentional about hitting businesses at all stages of growth,” Karena Hamlet, program director of business services for the Economic Alliance, said in a news release. “We are grateful for the opportunity to provide grant funding that helps existing small businesses strengthen and expand their operations, reach new customers, and continue building lasting impact in our communities.”
In addition to grant funding, recipient businesses also receive no-cost technical assistance, coaching, and connections from the Small Business Support Hub. Applications for the grants were sought out in October, with businesses eligible in three different categories: $5,000 (for startup businesses that have been in business for less than three years, but more than one); $10,000 (for micro businesses that have been in business for three or more years, with fewer than 10 full-time employees); and $15,000 (for small businesses that have been in business for three or more years, with more than 10 full-time employees). Grantees include:
Startup:
- A Change of Health Acupuncture
- Agape Home Care Services
- Grace Esthetics
- Longhouse Submission Grappling
- Mindful Movement with Shanzell
- The Sōl Section Cafe & Juice Bar
- Vasquez Food Market
Micro:
- A&E Financial Services
- All A’s Design
- CoMar Industries
- Creative Hair School of Cosmetology
- Crossley Wellness Center
- Family Care Plus Physical Therapy & Wellness
- Flint Michigan Films
- Flint Trading Co.
- Future Stars Learning Center
- Georgette Jean Enterprises
- Green Pride Landscaping Maintenance
- Heartfelt Grounds Assisted Living
- Ink N8tion
Small Business:
- Fireside Coffee
- Jackson’s Best Care
- Optima Home Health Care
- Pure Bliss Salon and Spa
- WAIT Counseling Services
The Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub is one of 27 hubs established last year through the Michigan’s Small Business Support Hub program. The Hub takes a holistic, customized approach to support each client, including data-informed counseling, capital and personal finance coaching, and connections to resources to help businesses grow. Both the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub and its grant program are supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Last year, in the program’s first year, 20 businesses received grants, including several city of Flint businesses.
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