(FLINT, MICH. – February 27, 2014) Today, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and the eTEAM named the 2014 Rising Star and Spark Award recipients during the seventh annual Jumpstart Entrepreneur Conference. More than 100 aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners were on hand at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre to gain knowledge and inspiration geared toward starting and growing a business.

According to Tim Herman, CEO of the Chamber, today’s Jumpstart Conference provided great exposure for potential entrepreneurs and business owners looking to take their dream to the next level.

“Flint & Genesee offer a wealth of opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs,” said Herman. “The goal of the Spark and Rising Star awards is to highlight success stories and provide inspiration.  The award recipients are all examples of what happens when a dream is pursued with the right level of preparation and dedication.”

The following new businesses were named Spark Award winners for their growth trajectory and entrepreneurial success:

 

  • Better Living Investments and 3R’s
  • EZ Awareness by Design
  • FAIM Boutique
  • Fun with Frosting
  • Timothy Goodrich Custom Shoes and Repair

In addition, North Oakland Commodities, Inc. received the Rising Star Award as an early stage business that has exhibited growth.

Flint-native David Tarver served as the keynote speaker for the conference.  Tarver shared the story of his transition from a career in engineering to a multi-million dollar business owner.  The author of Proving Ground: A Memoir is a graduate of Flint Central High School, former Kettering University student and University of Michigan alumnus.

The Chamber’s eTEAM is a regional collaboration of entrepreneurial service providers working to connect local entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources to promote growth and success. The eTEAM member organizations include:  MI-Small Business Development Center (MI_SBDC), City of Flint, The Career Alliance – Michigan Works! and Metro Community Development in addition to many other service providers.

For more information, visit www.flintandgenesee.org.  Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.