25 local small businesses receive funding from the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub
The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance’s Small Business Support Hub has awarded 25 grants to small businesses in Genesee County. The Hub provides Genesee County businesses with no-cost support, including technical assistance, personalized coaching, and connections, to help them take their businesses to the next level. The program, part of the economic development division of the Flint & Genesee Group, is designed to support businesses at all stages of growth and empower them to thrive.
“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,” says Karena Hamlet, program director of business services for the Economic Alliance. “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.”
The ‘Home For the Holidays’ Challenge
Coming home for the holidays, or just looking to get into the seasonal spirit right here in Flint & Genesee? We’ve created a Holiday Challenge full of can’t-miss local experiences. Check off as many as you can, snap some pics, and share your holiday adventures with us! Post your photos publicly on Instagram, tag @MakeYourMoveGenCo, and use #MakeYourMove for a chance to win an unforgettable experience in Flint & Genesee (one entry per post).
Flint & Genesee Chamber’s Favorite Things for 2025
This holiday season, one thing on everyone’s mind is where to find good deals on amazing gifts. Thankfully, the Flint & Genesee Chamber has you covered with the Chamber’s Favorite Things. This list includes local Chamber member businesses, featuring a variety of gifts from experiences to shops to food. There are plenty of ideas to add to your shopping list for friends, family, or loved ones.
“We have amazing members with great products and services perfect for anyone’s holiday wish list,” says Andy Younger, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “There are others that create terrific experiences that can be shared over the holidays. The Chamber’s goal is to support the small business community in Genesee County, so we encourage everyone to choose to support these local businesses and organizations, as well as the many others we have here, this holiday season.”
A three-year streak: Flint & Genesee Group earns Detroit Free Press’ 2025 Top Workplaces recognition
For the third consecutive year, the Flint & Genesee Group has been awarded a Top Workplaces honor by the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces program. Additionally, for the first time, the organization was recognized with a special award in the category of work/life flexibility.
“Our organization is committed to fostering a strong workplace culture, so this recognition is especially meaningful to us,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Group. “We’re always exploring new ways to help employees feel valued, whether that’s through flexible work schedules, employee resource groups, educational reimbursement, or other initiatives that support engagement and collaboration.”
Tapping into Genesee County’s craft beer scene
On a Saturday afternoon at Fenton Winery & Brewery, pints clink, artisan pizzas are served, and laughter erupts through the hum of friendly conversation. It’s a familiar scene in Michigan, where craft beer has grown in the last three decades from a niche market to a serious economic force.
In 2023, Michigan had 420 craft breweries generating nearly $2 billion in economic impact and providing nearly 15,000 jobs, per the national Brewers Association.
That’s a lot of beer.
In the honeybee business
On a crisp fall morning, the hum of honeybees drifts across land that’s been in the Anthony family for seven generations. In the small honey house, 21-year-old Chandler Anthony uncaps the combs, spins the frames in the extractor, and watches the golden liquid flow. David Anthony, the family’s 79-year-old patriarch, watches his grandson and grins.
“Chandler started helping when he was two years old, using a smoker to calm the bees. He fell in love with beekeeping and never left,” said David Anthony, who founded Anthony Bee Farms 43 years ago.
Today, the family’s commercial beekeeping operation annually produces about 50 tons of pure honey on their farm just six miles northwest of Swartz Creek.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 14 | Chamber Luncheon
Jan. 14 | U.S. SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program
Jan. 21 | Get Ready for Meet the Buyer
Jan. 22 | Connect Over Coffee at LaFontaine Lincoln
Click here for a complete listing of upcoming trainings, ribbon cuttings, and other events.
