Moving Flint Forward small business grant awardees for 2024 celebrated

FLINT, Mich. – The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance and General Motors announced the newest Moving Flint Forward small business cohort at Berston Field House on National Small Business Day. Seventeen new businesses were awarded $10,000 each and seven alumni businesses received $5,000 each to continue their business’ growth.

“Congratulations to the entrepreneurs who received grants today, and thank you for choosing to start and grow your businesses in the city of Flint,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “We are committed to helping small businesses thrive in Flint. Flint is a strong community because of our creative, hardworking people, and we want to make sure that entrepreneurs have a great experience starting and growing their businesses here. We look forward to continued partnership with all of the businesses, community organizations, and entrepreneurs who gathered today.”

The Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program is a collaborative effort between General Motors and Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance to provide grants to Flint small businesses. This grant program, established with funding support from GM, seeks to expand revitalization efforts across the city’s neighborhoods by supporting local businesses and boosting the power of the community doing vital work there to support Flint residents. This year’s grant recipients were:

810 Comedy Improv, an entertainment business specializing in improvisation comedy.

Amazing Tents and Chairs, an event/party rental company.

Citizens Statewide Security INC, a security alarm company.

Gordo and Flaco’s Tacos

Green Pride Landscape Maintenance, a lawncare and landscaping business.

Harris Family Health, a family-based medical provider.

I Love Pig, INC, a food vendor serving arepas and Cuban sandwiches inside the Flint Farmers’ Market.

KB Party Rental, a party/event rental service.

OKAJ Lawncare & Snow Removal, a lawncare and snow removal company.

On The Move Driving School.

Priz Apparel, a retail clothing company.

S & C Creative Hands, a party/event planning and rental service.

Safe Connect Non-Emergency Transportation Services, a transportation company that serves those needing rides to and from medical appointments.

Sol Collaborative LLC (dba Bau-House), an innovative art and streetwear gallery in downtown Flint.

Sugg’s Sweet Treats, a bakery/food truck.

Suso’s Pizza LLC.

Synergy Beauty Studio.

Bella LLC, a food truck and catering business.

Jessica Hatter Photography

Liberty Way Holdings LLC, a barbershop that also offers mentorship programs and apprenticeships to youth.

One: Eleven LLC, which specializes in handcrafted leather goods such as wallets and handbags.

Smoke Rattle and Roll, a BBQ restaurant inside the University of Michigan-Flint University Pavilion and food truck.

The Historic Bryant’s Barbershop

Urban Colab Architecture, an architectural and design firm.