Find small business growth and connection at the Immerse Summit

 

There are more than 11,000 businesses in Genesee County, a number that is growing continuously with entrepreneurs getting their dreams off the ground and into brick-and-mortar stores. Through the work of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, and particularly the Flint & Genesee Small Business Hub, we get to see that growth in our community firsthand every day.

The Flint & Genesee Small Business Hub is one of 27 hubs established by the State of Michigan in 2023. Since launching, our team has met with 400 local small businesses, offering comprehensive connections to help them succeed. Our program provides one-on-one support for businesses, helps them navigate building a small business, and directs them to the many community resources at our fingertips in Genesee County. Our team also provides training and workshops to advance the knowledge of local small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The Hub’s pinnacle event is the upcoming Immerse Entrepreneurial and Small Business Summit, aimed at providing a space for growth, exploration, and networking. This one-day summit provides participants with the opportunity to learn from experts, connect with service providers in the region, and meet fellow business owners.

In its second year, the Immerse Summit will have three breakout sessions with over 12 to choose from. Sessions cover an array of topics, including how to start a business, navigating opening a brick-and-mortar, diving into e-commerce, business structure and legal compliance, marketing and promotion, accessing capital, leveraging AI, understanding small business insurance, and more.

These classes will be taught by industry experts. Presenters include individuals from Yeo & Yeo CPA’s & Advisors, the Small Business Development Center, the Genesee County Area Business Bankers, Townsquare Media, and Uptown Reinvestment Corporation. These high-quality speakers will help attendees enhance their knowledge, enabling them to grow and build their small businesses.

In between breakout sessions, the Small Business team of the Economic Alliance will share special announcements that are beneficial to anyone who is working on or growing their small business. The team will also present the second annual Immerse Awards, awarding four individuals who have worked with our partners in the Genesee Entrepreneurial Network (GEN) – which is a network of service providers in the area that support the growth and development of small businesses – and have exhibited excellence in customer service and demonstrated remarkable growth. Last year’s winners were Brothers Hydrovac, Slice of Flint, Associated Cleaning Services, and Snacky Brown.

I would encourage anyone who has started, is in the process of starting, or wants to start a small business to attend this free event at the Gateway Center Wyndham Hotel in Flint. The summit will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration is free, but is required, and breakfast and lunch will be provided. To register, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org/Immerse.

Tim Herman is the CEO of the Flint & Genesee Group.