(Flint, Mich., 10/23/2025) — On Thursday, Oct. 21, six local businesses competed in the Two-Lane Fast Pitch Competition hosted by Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance’s Small Business Support Hub and ChoiceOne Bank. The competition, which kicked off the CRA Conference, had two lanes — the Startup Lane for businesses incorporated less than a year ago with 10 or fewer employees, and the Micro Lane for businesses incorporated over a year ago with 10 or fewer employees.
- Powered By Grace
- Urn’d Wings
- Rych Wicks Candles
- Smoke Rattle & Roll
- DK Sweet Shop
- Green Pride Landscape
- Micro Lane: Smoke Rattle & Roll – $10,000
- Startup Lane: Powered By Grace – $5,000
- People’s Choice: Green Pride Landscape – $1,000
“We are grateful to the CRA Bankers for allowing us to kick off their conference with the powerful event,” says Karena Hamlet, program director of Business Services at Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “These dollars can really help these small businesses get to the next level, which ultimately builds the small business landscape in Genesee County.”
The competition provided a platform for the six finalists to present their business pitches before a panel of judges. The finalists, representing a wide range of industries, showcased their innovative ideas and potential to significantly impact the local economy.
“This second-year event is critical in helping local small businesses overcome barriers to accessing capital,” says Leila Hathaway, Senior Compliance Officer at ChoiceOne Bank. “We had three entrepreneurs walk away with funding, but all the participants left with something more invaluable connections that they can tap into in the future. Now, they have a banking partner they can trust and a hub full of resources, that is huge in setting them up for success.”
The event supports the Flint & Genesee Small Business Hub’s ongoing commitment to local businesses and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. To learn more about the Hub, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org/hub.
