Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub helps entrepreneurs at all stages, ages

Although the average age for those starting a first business is 28, a survey of 500 adult entrepreneurs revealed that 13 percent launched their first business at age 18 or younger. No matter your age, if you have a business idea in Genesee County, the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub is here to help.  

“Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, our goal is to provide the resources, guidance, and community support you need to succeed,” said Karena Hamlet, director of Business Services at the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, which is a division of the Flint & Genesee Group. “Every great business begins with a single idea, and we’re here to help turn those ideas into reality.” 

The hub takes a holistic, customized approach for each client. This includes providing business counseling, capital access coaching, personal finance mentorship, and connections to resources to grow a business. 

“For young entrepreneurs juggling school, work, and other commitments, the Small Business Support Hub offers a much-needed boost,” Hamlet said. “It simplifies the process of starting and growing a business by providing expert help and resources tailored to your needs.” 

According to Hamlet, it all starts with the intake form, available at DevelopFlintandGenesee.org/hub.  

After an entrepreneur or small business owner completes the form, the Economic Alliance will schedule a meeting to learn more about the business, determine next steps, and make referrals to the appropriate hub partners and many other service providers that make up the region’s robust entrepreneurial network. 

Unable to make it to downtown Flint on a weekday? Good news: In addition to meeting with clients via phone and Teams, the Support Hub team also offers open office hours in Fenton on Mondays until 4 p.m. and in Swartz Creek on Wednesdays until 4 p.m. 

For more information, visit Small Business Support Hub.