The City of Flint, in collaboration with LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) Flint, has launched the Flint Small Business Rescue Fund to aid local small businesses still grappling with the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative, funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, provides one-time reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 to 20 qualifying businesses operating within the city limits of Flint, Michigan.

The grant application window opens on April 18, 2025, and closes on April 30, 2025. Eligible businesses can seek reimbursement for qualified expenses incurred between March 3, 2020, and October 31, 2023. Eligible expenses include payroll, rent, utilities, equipment purchases, and other pandemic-related costs. Applications will be reviewed by LISC Flint, and if applications exceed available funds, a random lottery system will determine the final awardees. Successful applicants will be notified by June 2025.

To be eligible, businesses must be brick-and-mortar, for-profit operations located within Flint city limits, employ no more than 30 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, have been operational (with LLC filing) before October 1, 2020, be in good standing with the City of Flint, and be able to document financial hardship and qualified expenses.

Support and technical assistance are available through SIPI, Inc., including virtual information sessions and in-person office hours. Interested applicants must register for sessions or request support via email at milas@sipi-inc.com. The pre-application intake form required to start the application process is available upon request from either LISC Flint or SIPI Inc. by contacting jzuniga@lisc.com.

For further inquiries, individuals may reach out to the City of Flint at (810) 766-7015 or refer to the city’s official website.