(FLINT, Mich. – Feb. 9, 2016) Business owners feeling the impact of Flint’s water emergency should attend the Flint Small Business Assistance Forum on Feb. 18, from 5-7 p.m., at Berston Field House, 3300 Saginaw St.
The forum is an opportunity to hear from and speak individually with representatives from a variety agencies that are available to assist businesses operating in the City of Flint. Information will be available about state and federal programs as well as other economic development initiatives, including low-interest loans, entrepreneurial training, government contacting, hiring support and exporting.
The U. S. Small Business Development Center will be one of the featured presenters and will discuss business financing, SBA loan guarantee programs and SBA economic injury disaster loans.
“We know that many Flint-based businesses are feeling a financial impact because of the water emergency,” said Janice Karcher, Vice President of Economic Development for the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. “The forum will provide direct, personal access to local, state and federal programs, and services that can help Flint businesses and community leaders recover and grow.”
Participating organizations: Flint & Genesee Chamber; U.S. Small Business Administration; Michigan Small Business Development Center; Genesee County Health Department; Veteran Business Outreach Center; Procurement Technical Assistance Center; Michigan Economic Development Corp.; Metro Community Development; University of Michigan-Flint; Summer Youth Initiative/Teen Quest; and the City of Flint.
The forum is free but advance registration is required. To register online, go to www.flintandgenesee.org/events/flint-small-business-assistance-forum/
“Having these agencies assembled at a centralized Flint location, the forum will be an informative, fast-paced and interactive event for our small businesses,” said Karcher.
For more information or assistance registering, contact Tracy Joseph at the Flint & Genesee Chamber at 810-600-1406 or .