City of Flint awards $20K to 20 small businesses

FLINT, Mich. — The City of Flint has awarded 20 small businesses $20,000 each through a one-time grant program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

City officials said the initiative is intended to support neighborhood revitalization and advance equitable economic recovery, adding that the selected businesses represent a diverse range of industries and are primarily located along Flint’s commercial corridors.

The city will held a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Beauchamp’s Ace Hardware, 1101 W. Pierson Road, to announce the recipients of the ARPA-funded small business grants.

“This investment reflects our belief in the power of local businesses to drive Flint’s recovery and long-term success,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “We’re proud to support entrepreneurs who have weathered challenges and continue to serve our community.”

Neely said the city plans to announce three grant recipients each week. The first three grants were awarded to Wayne the Barber Enterprises, Spectacular Spudz and Beauchamp’s Ace Hardware. 

To receive the grant, businesses were required to occupy a brick-and-mortar location in the city, be operational before 2020, be registered with the State of Michigan, and submit a complete application to qualify.

The program is administered by LISC-Flint in partnership with the Social Impact Philanthropy Initiative (SIPI).

All wards were represented in the awards except Wards 7 and 8, which are largely residential.