One of the challenges for Flint Expatriates is figuring out a way to give back to the city even though we no longer live there. One way is to make a donation to Drive Flint, a business plan competition for startup or emerging businesses whose measure of success includes playing an active role in Flint’s revitalization.
The Flint Journal's Dominic Adams described the contest in an article earlier this month:
The “drive Flint" prize is part of Michigan Corps’ “Michigan social entrepreneurship challenge,” to come up with long-term solutions to the state’s social challenges, the nonprofit organization said in a statement.
The goal is to discover ideas that are having a positive impact on the Flint community, said Elizabeth Garlow, executive director of Michigan Corps. “The competition is focused on the advent of ventures that enhance the quality of life in the community.”Your donation will help fund a cash grant for the winning business plan and the winner will also gain access to Michigan Corps’ social impact investment fellowship and entrepreneur support services, which includes training that prepares entrepreneurs for investments of more than $50,000.
“Flint is full of grassroots entrepreneurs seeking prosperity, civic and community change,” Mayor Dayne Walling said in a statement. “The creation of the “drive Flint” prize is truly groundbreaking, as it gives all entrepreneurs who are passionate about Flint’s future an opportunity to share their ideas, connect with support resources and a community of fellow innovators.”
Visit Drive Flint to find more information and make a donation. The goal is $15,000.
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Thanks for commenting. I moderate comments, so it may take a while for your comment to appear. You might enjoy my book about Flint called "Teardown: Memoir of a Vanishing City," a Michigan Notable Book for 2014 and a finalist for the 33rd Annual Northern California Book Award for Creative NonFiction. Filmmaker Michael Moore described Teardown as "a brilliant chronicle of the Mad Maxization of a once-great American city." More information about Teardown is available at www.teardownbook.com.