Issue 9 | June 30, 2021

The Small Business Help Desk provides direct support for small businesses

The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call not only for the protection of public health globally but for the business community as well. While responding to distress calls from numerous local small businesses at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, it became apparent that many owners and entrepreneurs needed an array of resources and support, then and going forward.

Enter the Small Business Help Desk, a service of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. Though borne of the economic devastation fueled by the public health emergency, the Help Desk is now a fixture in nurturing the growth and diversification of Flint & Genesee’s small business community.

Tracy Joseph, the Economic Alliance’s business financing manager, administers the desk, whose services range from providing technical assistance and coaching to helping to secure financing through various programs.

CEO Blog: Returning to the office, soon

The day that we’ve been waiting for came sooner than we thought it would. On June 22, Gov. Whitmer lifted all pandemic restrictions, and soon after, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration aligned its guidance for employers. No more masks. No social distancing. No more capacity limits. Just like that.

Like many organizations, the Flint & Genesee Group has been working remotely over the past 15 months. I’m proud to say that our agile team has stayed focused on what’s most important, and that was and is, being a valued resource to local businesses and improving economic vitality and quality of life in our community.

Latest News

Flint & Genesee Chamber resumes in-person events

After more than a year of virtual networking and other remote activities due to the state restrictions on gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Flint & Genesee Chamber and its members are getting back together – in person. On May 25, the Chamber unveiled a brand new event called Connect over Coffee, which was held on the rooftop patio of the Flint Farmers' Market and hosted by DBI. The outdoor event hit like a breath of fresh air, with 76 attendees, said Chamber Executive Director Andrew Younger.

Inside Business spoke with Younger about the return of in-person events for the second-half of 2021 and some of the lessons of the past year.

Inside Business (IB): What does the return of in-person events mean for Members and for the Flint & Genesee Chamber? READ MORE

Spectrum Reach awards local businesses with complimentary marketing services

Nine minority-owned businesses in Flint & Genesee each have been awarded a $15,000 advertising campaign and free commercial as part of Spectrum Reach’s Pay it Forward Local Grant Program. In addition, two companies will a $4,000 advertising campaign and free commercial.

The awards are the culmination of Spectrum Reach’s exclusive partnership with the Flint & Genesee Chamber and Saginaw Chamber of Commerce. READ MORE

FACES of Flint & Genesee Business: Adriane Deiulius, Grand Blanc Vendor Market Place

Adriane Deiulius gained a great amount of business experience in the past year and a half. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has worked hard toward her dream business and, in turn, opened and closed four businesses during that time.

“The pandemic affected me greatly due to business restrictions and lack of financial support,” says Deiulius. “However, one thing I learned is that you have to keep fighting. I have gained years of experience during this time.”

With the support of her wife and five children, she continued to follow her dreams and now co-owns the Grand Blanc Vendor Market Place, a collaborative market where vendors run mini stores selling local, handmade goods. READ MORE

Upcoming Events

Business News

July 13 – Government Contracting 101

July 20 – Joint Ventures, Teaming, Mentors

July 22 – After Hours Wine Down

July 27 – Leveraging Certifications



People and businesses on the move

FLINT & GENESEE GROUP