FLINT, Mich. — A new initiative aims to help local small businesses still grappling with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City of Flint, in partnership with LISC Flint, has launched the Flint Small Business Rescue Fund to award one-time reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 to 20 eligible small businesses within Flint city limits. The program is funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.
The application window opens April 18 and closes April 30, 2025.
Eligible businesses can apply for reimbursement of qualified expenses incurred between March 3, 2020, and Oct. 31, 2023. Covered expenses include payroll, rent, utilities, equipment purchases, and other pandemic-related costs.
To qualify, businesses must:
- Be a brick-and-mortar, for-profit business operating within the City of Flint
- Employ no more than 30 full-time equivalent employees
- Have been operational prior to Oct. 1, 2020
- Be in good standing with the City of Flint
- Be able to document financial hardship and provide proof of qualifying expenses
Applications will be reviewed by LISC Flint. If demand exceeds available funding, a random lottery will determine the final awardees.
SIPI, Inc. will host multiple support sessions for prospective applicants:
- Virtual Info Session with LISC: Tuesday, April 22 | 3–4 p.m.
- In-Person Technical Assistance Office Hours: Friday, April 25 | 9–11 a.m. and 12–4 p.m. at SIPI, Inc., 607 E. 2nd Ave., Flint
- Virtual Technical Assistance Session: Sunday, April 27 | 4–6 p.m.
To register or request support, email milas@sipi-inc.com.
The required pre-application intake form will be available upon request from LISC Flint or SIPI, Inc. Grant awardees are expected to be notified by June 2025.