Helping Flint Small Businesses Succeed
Rooted in Flint. Focused on Growth.
Whether you’re turning an idea into a business or working to grow an existing one, entrepreneurship comes with a lot of moving pieces. You may be figuring out your first steps, building a customer base, managing cash flow, marketing your business, or trying to plan for long-term growth — often all at the same time.
Sometimes what’s standing between where you are and where you want to go is access to the right support at the right moment.
That’s where MWF comes in.
With funding from the Ruth Mott Foundation and in partnership with Flint-based nonprofit 100K Ideas, MWF is expanding access to capital, business education, and one-on-one guidance for Flint entrepreneurs.
As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we have invested more than $14 million in Michigan small businesses. From North Flint to downtown corridors, we believe local businesses are the heartbeat of the community. Our mission is to help Flint entrepreneurs grow their businesses, invest in Flint neighborhoods, and make Genesee County more prosperous for all.
How We Help Flint Small Businesses
Small Business Loans
Whether you’re buying equipment, opening your storefront, expanding your services, or finally investing in your business full-time, MWF is here to help. We provide Flint entrepreneurs access to capital and coaching designed for real life. Our team works with entrepreneurs to better understand their goals and identify financing options that fit their stage of business.
Loan Readiness Support
Not quite loan-ready yet? That’s OK. You’re not alone. Even if you’ve been declined for a loan before, MWF can help. Flint entrepreneurs like you are building strong businesses but may need support with financial statements, projections, credit improvement, cash flow management, or business planning. That’s why MWF offers coaching, technical assistance, and capital readiness support — not just loans.
Business Education Programs
MWF and 100K Ideas offer workshops, webinars, and cohort-based programs designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen the business side of entrepreneurship. Topics include financial health, marketing and sales strategy, operational planning, legal and tax management, and long-term business growth. Programs are designed to provide practical, real-world guidance that entrepreneurs can apply immediately.
Meet with Chad Knight, MWF’s Flint Loan Officer
Sometimes the hardest part of seeking funding is not knowing where to start. MWF’s Flint Loan Officer, Chad Knight, works directly with Flint entrepreneurs to help answer questions, talk through business goals, and help owners better understand their financing options.
He’s based locally at 100K Ideas and available for one-on-one conversations from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday.
No intimidating process. No pressure. Just practical support designed to help entrepreneurs move forward.
Upcoming Events, Webinars, and Cohorts
100K Ideas’ Business Basics Cohort
June 3-Aug. 12, 2026 | 5 p.m.
Build a stronger foundation for your business with this hands-on cohort from 100K Ideas. Designed for existing businesses preparing for future growth and funding opportunities, the program combines practical business training with personalized support to help entrepreneurs better understand their operations, finances, and long-term strategy. Topics include financial health, marketing and sales strategy, operational planning, legal and tax management, and loan readiness.
The Funding Desk Flint
Every Wednesday | 10 a.m.-Noon
The Funding Desk Flint is like office hours for your business. No appointment necessary — just stop in, pull up a chair, and get your questions about business funding answered by MWF’s Flint loan officer, Chad Knight. Whether you’re exploring financing, preparing for growth, or just figuring out your next step, we’re here to help.
Capital Readiness Lab — Coming Soon
Aug. 26-Sept. 30 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Prepare your business for future funding opportunities with this multi-week cohort designed to help entrepreneurs become loan-ready and growth-ready. Participants will learn how to strengthen their business plans, understand financial statements, build realistic projections, improve financial habits, and prepare the documents lenders look for when evaluating loan applications.
Through practical guidance and hands-on learning, business owners will leave with a stronger understanding of their business finances and a clearer path toward accessing capital to grow their businesses.
Imagine What’s Possible — Take the Next Step
A stronger foundation. Better financial clarity. More confidence in your next business decision. Greater access to funding and growth opportunities.
Sometimes the right support at the right moment can change the direction of a business.
Whether you’re building a new venture or growing an existing one, MWF and 100K Ideas are here to help Flint entrepreneurs access the tools, guidance, and capital needed to move forward.
Flint Small Business Support — Made possible through support from the Ruth Mott Foundation.
