GENESEE COUNTY, MI – Applications are now open for the second annual Two Lane Fast Pitch Competition.
The contest invites small businesses across Genesee County to pitch their ideas for a chance at cash prizes to help start or grow their ventures.
“We are excited, once again, to partner on this amazing competition designed to support both startups and established microbusinesses in our community,” said Leila Hathway, senior compliance officer at ChoiceOne Bank, in a statement. “This opportunity can drive a business forward and help scale its operations, and we are proud to play a role in that success.”
The competition, held in partnership between ChoiceOne Bank and the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance’s Small Business Support Hub, offers for-profit businesses — not franchisees — two tracks:
Startup Lane, for businesses incorporated less than one year as of Oct. 21, 2025
Micro Lane, for businesses incorporated more than one year as of Oct. 21, 2025
Both tracks are open to companies with 10 or fewer employees.
Prizes include $5,000 for the Startup Lane winner and $10,000 for the Micro Lane winner.
“We are grateful to partner with ChoiceOne Bank to bring this competition back for a second year,” said Karena Hamlet, program director of business services for the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “They’ve been incredibly supportive of the Small Business Support Hub and our mission to help small businesses grow and thrive in Genesee County.”
Eligibility is limited to businesses with an address in Genesee County falling within a low- or moderate-income (LMI) area.
Applicants can confirm LMI status by visiting GeoMap.ffiec.gov/ffiecgeomap, entering their address, and checking the Census Demographic Data.
If results are unclear, applicants can contact the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance at 810-600-1414.
Applications must include a business plan, up-to-date articles of incorporation, and proof of good standing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Selected businesses must attend a mandatory training session from noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Gateway Center Wyndham Hotel, 5353 Gateway Centre Blvd. in Mundy Township.
Six finalists — three from each track — will then advance to the final pitch event from 4-9 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Gateway Center Wyndham Hotel, during the Michigan CRA Association Community Reinvestment Conference.