The Buy Flint First program is a cooperative effort between local independent business owners and individuals in Flint to support local ownership and educate our community about the multiple benefits of using Flint based neighborhood businesses.
There are several benefits to having a Buy Flint First program including increased dollars in the local economy. For example, Flint residents do $70 million of their grocery shopping outside the city. Buying 50% more in the city would mean a direct impact of nearly $12 million and 100 new jobs locally.
The Good Beans CaféThis job creation by Flint based neighborhood businesses is important because Flint based neighborhood business will more than likely hire workers from the neighborhoods where they are located. Locally based neighborhood businesses offer women and people of color the best opportunity to own their own businesses. These types of business have fewer and less daunting start up impediments for women and people of color such as start up capital, supply chain infrastructure, and market positioning.
The program launched at Good Beans Café. Start with a cup of coffee at Good Beans Café right in the heart of the city on North Grand Traverse in Carriage Town. Many of the people active in the Flint's Future Now coalition attend the weekly Common Hours on Thursdays at 5 p.m. at Good Beans Café, 328 N. Grand Traverse St. in Flint. This happy hour with a cause brings together students, neighborhood residents, leaders, business owners and anyone who wants to see Flint's greater downtown be a bustling, diverse, 21st Century core of the region.
The Buy Flint First program is looking for partners. Contact info@flintsfuturenow.org with your ideas.