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Inside Business: ‘Flint & Genesee Business Bridge’ Minority-Owned Small Business Directory

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‘Flint & Genesee Business Bridge’ an online directory of minority-owned small businesses

Increasing the exposure and market access for Genesee County’s minority-owned small businesses is a key component of a resilient and vibrant local business community. That’s where the Flint & Genesee Business Bridge comes into play.

The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance and I’m Building Something Consulting, LLC have partnered to create the online directory of Black, Indigenous and people of color-owned businesses in the area that will serve the interests of prospective vendors and clients/consumers alike. The project is funded with a $95,000 grant from the Ruth Mott Foundation.

“We know that people are interested in doing more business with minority-owned businesses but don’t always know where to look,” said Ebonie Gipson, project consultant and owner of I’m Building Something Consulting. “This is truly a collaborative effort.

“The Flint & Genesee Business Bridge is place for businesses to be seen and found.”

MBN’s recent story on this issue 

CEO Blog: New 40 Under 40 program recognizes exceptional leadership, community enthusiasm

At the Flint & Genesee Group, we work to strengthen the local economy and create a place where people thrive, and businesses invest and grow, which strengthens our region’s ability to attract and retain talent.

 

With this in mind, our talent efforts include recognizing and supporting exceptional leaders who are making a difference in Genesee County. These leaders are successful at their organizations and engaged in strengthening the communities they serve; and there are plenty examples to choose from in our region. Some of whom have been honored through our annual Art of Achievement Awards and “Twenty in 20” recognition.

 

This year, the Group is launching a new opportunity to shine a light specifically on young talent through our first “40 Under 40” program. 40 Under 40 recognizes rising professionals, entrepreneurs and influencers across industries who are helping to shape the future of Genesee County.
READ MORE

Latest News

‘Chamber Madness’ added to this year’s Gus Macker Tournament
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The Flint & Genesee Chamber has partnered with this year’s Gus Macker Basketball Tournament in Flint to create a business bracket for the world-famous 3-on3 competition.

 

Through the tournament’s new Chamber Madness bracket, your company’s employees, friends and family can sign up a team (or teams!) for the event, taking place July 30-31 on the downtown flat lot. This is your chance to represent your company, play against other Chamber member and other non-member company teams to compete for some serious bragging rights. 

 

The Gus Macker Sponsorship – Court Partnership is $250, which includes a team registration and your company’s logo on the court perimeter. READ MORE

Support needed: Skincare boutique, art gallery raising loans through Kiva crowdfunding site
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As point person for Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance’s Small Business Help Desk, Tracy Joseph says that one of the most common questions she receives from current and aspiring small business owners has to do with what funding opportunities are available to them. The answer varies based on a variety of factors, but can include the EDC Revolving Loan Fund, pitch competitions, grants and resources offered by Huntington Bank and Metro Community Development.

 

It can also include Kiva, a crowdfunding platform that allows entrepreneurs to raise a zero-percent interest loan to help take his or her business to the next level. Currently, there are two Flint & Genesee business owners utilizing Kiva. READ MORE

FACES of Flint & Genesee Business: Nichol Albiar and Chris Veihl, Steady Eddy’s Café at the Market
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About seven years ago, employees Nichol Albiar and Chris Veihl took over ownership of Steady Eddy’s Café at the Market – a staple in Flint for roughly 30 years. The local restaurant, which has had three previous owners, started in Davison but soon moved to the Flint Farmers’ Market on the second floor of its former location.

 

When the Flint Farmers’ Market moved to downtown Flint in 2014, so did Steady Eddy’s. And since moving to the new market the restaurant has grown by expanding its menu, offering fresh-squeezed lemonade at its lemonade stand in the summer and growing to include Steady Eddy’s Veggies stand inside the market. READ MORE

TeenQuest is a pre-employment and leadership training program available to students in grades 9-12 in Flint & Genesee.

 

Here, recent grad Ceana Thornton reflects on her experience in the program.
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