The Cackle Special Edition: 2021 Genesee County Small Business Analysis

Description

For this special edition of The Cackle, EntryPoint will be speaking with nine small business owners from across Genesee County who participated in the comprehensive research for the 2021 Genesee County Small Business Analysis. These entrepreneurs and community leaders were integral to the research, and now, they are excited to feature them on their platform and hear more about their stories, as well as those of their companies. This is your chance to learn about their businesses, how you can support businesses in Flint and the broader Genesee County region, and why it is important to continue to shop local in 2021!

The Cackle highlights small businesses, startups, and people who have an impact on communities across the Midwest. In nearly 100 episodes, EntryPoint explores a wide range of topics relating to the vibrancy of local economies, including: entrepreneurial journeys, economic trends, the challenges small businesses and startups face, and the importance of building a diverse and inclusive community. 

Sponsored by Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance

June 8 at 10:30am on EntryPoint’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

• Fireside Coffee, a craft coffee roaster and coffee shop in Swartz Creek founded by Carol Davis in 1988. Fireside Coffee distributes to retailers nationwide and, in 2016, the company added a coffee shop to their building. In addition to custom coffee blends, the café sells handcrafted and locally-made ceramic mugs, hand-carved coffee scoops, and pastries.
• Kentakee Athletic & Social Clubs, a community-based nonprofit organization in Flint founded by Angela Stamps in 2010. Angela started this organization after discovering a love for biking, and is dedicated to empowering and inspiring Genesee County youth through educational and physical programs oriented around the activity.
• Citizens Statewide Security, a security and surveillance technology company opened by Flint resident Deborah L. Johnson in 2003. Deborah and her husband founded the business in their basement, working tirelessly to grow their business in the interest of protecting the homes and businesses in their community. Now,  Citizens Statewide Security is a premier security company in the region.

• Creative Hair School of Cosmetology, a cosmetology school founded by Flint resident Corinthian Carouthers in 1999. A former model with a passion for empowering others through beauty, Corinthian opened the school in the hopes of transforming the lives of students through creative hairstyling.
• Flint Trading Co., an art gallery home goods store founded by Flint Resident Walter McAdow in 2018. The business offers a unique retail experience by offering limited edition art objects, home goods, and jewelry from local artists. In the future, Flint Trading Co. plans to host workshops for people to work alongside artists and make their own pieces.
• JJ Cardinal’s, a wild bird and nature store located in Grand Blanc and has been owned by Gretchen and Ken Giles since 2017. After purchasing the store from founder Louise Dawson, Gretchen and Ken continue her mission of spreading passion for nature to others by offering feed and shelter for animals, gardening supplies, and educational services.

• Friends of Berston, a nonprofit organization founded by Flint resident Bryant Nolden in 2014. This organization is dedicated to preserving the historic Berston Field House and its legacy. Berston Field House was built in 1923 and has since been used as a center for underserved communities, nurturing some of the area’s top athletic talent.
• Kamazing Angels Dance Factory, a dance school and studio located in Flint and directed by Coach Shyteanna Thomas. Founded by in 2018, the school features a youth majorette dance team with almost 50 members. Not only are the Kamazing Angels passionate about expressing themselves through dance, but they are also dedicated to community service for Flint.
• Howe Art Supplies and Gallery, an arts and crafts store in Swartz Creek founded by Flint resident Sharlene L. Howe in 2010. An artist herself, Sharlene takes care to ensure her store offers high-quality, affordable, and unique supplies and products. Additionally, Howe Art Supplies both offers art classes functions as a gallery where local artists sell work.