FLINT, MI — Three Flint-area entrepreneurs left the Two-Lane Fast Pitch Competition with prize money and new plans for growth after presenting their businesses in front of a live audience. The event brought together six small business owners from Flint and Genesee County, each given five minutes to explain their companies and what additional support could help them move forward.
The competition was hosted by the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance’s Small Business Support Hub and ChoiceOne Bank at the Wyndham Hotel and Conference Banquet Center in Flint. Organizers said the money can make a practical difference for businesses that need equipment, inventory or other upgrades to serve more customers and operate more efficiently.
Competition gives local owners five minutes to make their pitch
Each participant had a short window to connect with judges and the audience, making the contest as much about clear communication as business potential. The format forced owners to describe what they do, what they need and how a financial boost would help them expand.
Karena Hamlet, director of business services with the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, said the funding can be used in ways that directly strengthen a company’s day-to-day operations. She noted that businesses may need to buy equipment, stock inventory or make other improvements that help them grow.
That kind of support is especially valuable for smaller companies trying to move from an early stage into a more stable, scalable operation. For many owners, even a modest investment can open the door to serving more customers or improving the customer experience.
810 Tings wins the $10,000 Micro Lane Prize
Chef Nate Campbell, owner of 810 Tings, won the competition’s $10,000 Micro Lane Prize. His business operates at the Flint Farmers’ Market, where he serves Cajun Caribbean food and works to build a stronger presence in the community.
Campbell said he plans to use the money to expand the business in several practical ways. His list includes building a commercial fryer, buying catering equipment and upgrading point-of-sale systems with kiosk technology.
Those improvements could help the restaurant handle more orders, support catering work and streamline transactions. For a food business, that kind of equipment can influence both kitchen efficiency and customer service.
Sip & Vibes takes Startup Lane prize for mobile bartending
Mary Williams, owner of Sip & Vibes, earned the $5,000 Startup Lane prize. Her business focuses on mobile bartending, a model that depends on flexibility, transport and the ability to serve events outside a fixed storefront.
Williams said she intends to put the prize money toward a new trailer for the business. For a mobile operation, that type of purchase can be a major step because it affects how easily the company can travel to events and carry needed supplies.
The award gives Sip & Vibes more room to grow and better position itself for future bookings. It also reflects how startup businesses often need equipment first, before they can fully scale up service and revenue.
People’s Choice award helps Green Pride Landscaping upgrade its fleet
Bobby Green, owner of Green Pride Landscaping, received the People’s Choice prize after winning support from the audience. His company’s planned purchases are centered on tools that can improve both appearance and productivity.
Green said the business will use the award to buy an automatic new mower, a utility trailer and a new wrap. Those additions can help a landscaping company work more efficiently while also presenting a more polished image to customers.
The audience-driven award added another layer to the competition, giving attendees a chance to weigh in on which business idea they wanted to support. For Green Pride Landscaping, that backing now translates into practical upgrades that can help the company operate and market itself more effectively.
Why organizers say the funding matters for small business growth
Organizers framed the competition as a way to push local businesses toward the next stage of development. The prizes are not just cash awards; they are intended to help owners make purchases that can strengthen operations over time.
That can mean new kitchen equipment, inventory, transportation or better technology, depending on the business. In each case, the goal is to turn a one-time prize into something that supports long-term growth and stability.
For Flint and Genesee County, the event also served as a public showcase for local entrepreneurship. It gave business owners a chance to present their ideas, build community support and leave with resources they can use immediately.
