Summer, 2026: Capital Readiness, Entrepreneur Success & Flint's Growing Investment Ecosystem
This summer, Flint's entrepreneurial ecosystem continued to build momentum through capital readiness programming, pitch competitions, strategic partnerships, and inspiring entrepreneur success stories.
In this issue, there’s stories of participants competing on the national stage, updates on Flint's growing focus on helping businesses become investment-ready and opportunities for those looking for their next step in the entrepreneurial journey. From pitch competitions and funding opportunities to ecosystem collaboration and business growth, these stories demonstrate the strength and resilience of Flint's entrepreneurial community.
Across the Flint Ecosystem, entrepreneurs aren't just building businesses, they're building the future of our community.
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| | Young Innovators Take Center Stage in the Mott Million Dollar Challenge |
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| More than 5,300 K-12 students from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. submitted over 3,700 ideas to the Mott Million Dollar Challenge, a national youth pitch competition funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation as part of its centennial celebration. Sixty finalists traveled to Flint to compete for a share of the $1 million prize pool, showcasing innovative business concepts and creative solutions to community challenges. The event highlighted the power of entrepreneurship education and reinforced Flint's growing role as a hub for innovation, creativity, and youth leadership. |
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| | | Youth Entrepreneurs Make Their Pitch! |
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Congratulations to the winners of the Genesee Intermediate School District’s Youth Entrepreneurship Competition!
The YE program had its culminating Final Pitch event on April 30. The year’s top ten students made pitches in from of an audience of nearly 150 people, and six community expert judges voted on the winners. Competitors represented eight different high schools, as well as one homeschool student.
International Academy of Flint 10th grader Sa’Maria Strong took home first place and $2,000 for her idea, SideQuest, a platform that connects teens with opportunities to work at local small businesses. Fan Favorite winner was Landon Pieper, whose Salt Track concept would make winter salt truck operations more efficient and trackable. Ten more student entrepreneurs were set up as vendors, selling everything from sweet treats to fashion to home goods.
Funding the program was The Mott Foundation, who supports entrepreneurship experiences like this in Flint and across the country, equipping young people with 21st century skills like creativity, public speaking and teamwork.
#YouthEntrepreneurship #EntrepreneurshipEducation #GeneseeCounty Genesee ISD
Photos: Brittany Greeson |
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| Full Competition Results: |
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| | | Michigan Women Forward Arrives in Flint |
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FLINT, Michigan (June 2, 2026) – The Ruth Mott Foundation today is announcing a program-related investment of $500,000 and supporting grant of $450,000 to Detroit-based Michigan Women Forward (MWF), a Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for women and entrepreneurs of color.
This investment establishes MWF’s on-the-ground presence in Flint, working in close partnership with Flint-based 100K Ideas, and brings more access to capital, business education, and technical assistance for Flint entrepreneurs.
A full-time lending officer works directly in Flint and is based at 100K Ideas’ downtown office. The role is designed to build relationships with local business owners, provide one-on-one guidance, and connect entrepreneurs to financing and capacity-building resources.
As part of the Flint launch, there are two upcoming opportunities for entrepreneurs: 100K Ideas’ Business Basics Cohort – June 3-Aug. 12 (Bi-weekly Wednesdays from 5–6:30 p.m.) This pilot program is designed to help businesses build a strong foundation and prepare them for future capital. More than ensuring businesses have the documentation to secure capital, this program works alongside business owners to ensure they fully understand their operations and finances.
Capital Readiness Lab – Aug. 26-Sept. 30 (Wednesdays from 5:30–7 p.m.) This multi-week, cohort-based program will provide in-depth support to help entrepreneurs strengthen their financials, refine their business strategy, and prepare for capital.
Local entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in these programs to learn more about accessing funding and building their businesses. Learn more about them at miwf.org/flint. |
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| | | | Entrepreneurs Compete for $10,000 |
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Contestants battled it out live at 100K Ideas in the latest installment of Pitch For $K. The pitches ranged from industrial safety to foods to commercial cleaning, and included both start-ups and ongoing businesses. One of the judges was Steven Barber, who has experience in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. The current head of the Flint Public Art Project and founder of Zero Point Brand Diverse Solutions, he was happy to take the time to listen to pitches and offer advice to the competitors. “Supporting local businesses in the community is important to me, it helps them thrive.” |
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Winner of the $5,000 grand prize was Eric Patrick Thomas of EZ Awareness By Design/INSPIRE. A veteran entrepreneur, he is always looking to build his brand. We asked Eric to share one piece of advice for folks looking to start their own entrepreneurial journeys. “Take the risk. Don’t wait around for things to be perfect. Take the risk, get started, make your changes along the way.” Other winners included Ebony Tartt in second place, who took home $2,500, and Jeanetta Malone who won both third place and People’s Choice, for $2,000 total. |
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In this panel discussion, we will discuss when the time is right to invest in a patent, trademark or copyright from professionals. You’ve got the idea… but is it protected?
Before you launch, scale, or share it with the world, tap into this workshop to learn the ins and outs of patents, trademarks & copyrights!
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| | Celebrating Mentorship, Connection, and Community Wins |
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| We recently celebrated the fourth cohort of the Flint Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Mentorship Program-which was such a meaningful and impactful experience. At its core, mentorship is about more than business advice, it is about relationships, trust, shared learning, and creating a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem together.
Throughout the program, mentors generously shared their time, expertise, networks, and encouragement, while mentees brought bold ideas, dedication, and a willingness to grow. Together, these partnerships have led to countless wins: new business launches, stronger financial systems, expanded networks, increased confidence, refined business models, new collaborations, and milestones both big and small.
Perhaps most importantly, these pairings have reminded us that entrepreneurship does not have to happen alone. When community members invest in one another, we create ripple effects that extend far beyond any single business or individual. We are incredibly grateful to every mentor and mentee who said "yes" to this journey. Your commitment to learning, sharing, and growing together is helping build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient entrepreneurial community. Here's to celebrating all that has been accomplished, and to the many successes still ahead.
Because when one entrepreneur succeeds, our entire community grows stronger. |
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| Thursday, June 25 • 5:30-7pm • General Motors Factory One |
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