(Flint, Mich., 08/21/2025) — Whether you are a small business with deep roots in the community or an entrepreneur looking for a way to get your idea off the ground, the Immerse Entrepreneurial & Small Business Summit is for you. Hosted by the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub, a program of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, and sponsored by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Immerse is a day-long event aimed at uplifting area small business owners and entrepreneurs.
“After our first summit, we had plenty of people asking when we would do this again,” says Karena Hamlet, program director of business services for the Economic Alliance, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group. “This year, we are adding more breakout sessions to accommodate the demand, along with the traditional networking, updates, and second annual Immerse Awards.”
Breakout sessions during the event include Second Act, First Business: Becoming Your Own Boss; Opening Doors: Your Path to Brick and Mortar; Accessing Capital; Retail Business E-Commerce Essentials; Business Structures & Legal Compliance; Mastering Elevator Pitches; Profit & Loss Code for Food Businesses; Digital Marketing for Small Businesses; Understanding the Foundation of Business Insurance; and more.
The free summit will start at 8:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast. The program will start at 9 a.m. and breakout sessions will follow. After the first two breakout sessions, lunch will be served, and the Immerse Awards will be presented to recognize and acknowledge four local businesses that have or are currently working with the Genesee Entrepreneurial Network (GEN) and have exhibited excellence in customer service and demonstrated remarkable growth.
After the remaining breakout session in the afternoon, participants will have time for networking and interacting with exhibitors, including members of GEN, a group of service providers that support small businesses, and other resources. There will also be special announcements about upcoming programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Immerse Entrepreneurial & Small Business Summit will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Gateway Center Wyndham Hotel, 5353 Gateway Centre Blvd., in Flint. Registration is free, and both breakfast and lunch are included. To register for this event, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org/Immerse.
Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance
The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group, is the lead economic development organization for Flint and Genesee County. To build a more vibrant local economy, the Economic Alliance provides tools, resources, and guidance to local companies of all sizes and stages to support their growth. The division also promotes available sites, workforce, and unique assets to attract growth-oriented businesses to Genesee County. For more information, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org, and check us out on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub
Led by the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub provides comprehensive resources and support at no cost to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Genesee County. The hub – which is also supported by partners including Doxa Development and the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) – takes a holistic, customized approach for each client. All services provided through the hub are offered at no cost thanks to funding provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
