GRAND BLANC -- Each year eCities surveys communities across Michigan looking at tax rates, property values and building permits to determine the best cities for entrepreneurs in the state.
According to researchers at iLabs at UM-Dearborn, Grand Blanc is a great place to start a business.
Business in Grand Blanc is "thriving", according to Great Harvest Bread Co. owner Scott Sassack.
Thanks to the bustling downtown the city is being recognized by UM-Dearborn as one of the top entreprenurial cities in Michigan.
Grand Blanc City Manager Paul Break says, "It's a very visually appealing area so developers and businesses realize that."
10 years ago, Scott Sassak opened Great Harvest Bread Company on Perry Road, building his business from the ground up thanks to overwhelming community support.
"People are loyal, they're friendly, and they are committed to us", says Sassack.
During lunch hour customers fill his store looking for good eats and a little slice of home.
Sassack says, "Customers you see over and over again, and it's good to see new people come in but their have been some that have been here since day one."
By sprucing up the streets and partnering with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce the city is taken steps to ensure local businesses stick around for the long haul.
"We actually own land in the city and we are looking for private owners to develop the area and move in", says Brake. "southern Genesee County is in demand and is a growing area"
And Sassak is looking forward to a fruitful future. He says, "If you make the commitment you'll see the payoff."
