Doxa Development

Yesterday we had the opportunity to attend our first Flint Soup SEED session and we truly enjoyed every moment.
We’re incredibly grateful for the chance to share the story behind Midnight Snackery and connect with others on a similar journey. The feedback and advice we received were invaluable as we continue growing and refining our brand.
Big thank you to Doxa Development for creating such a powerful space for entrepreneurs

TONIGHT:

HeART to Canvas: A Portrait of Love, Loss, and Community

Join us tonight at 5:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Flint for the premiere of this special community collaboration between families impacted by violence, local artists, Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County, Stacks Creative, and Doxa Development.

Free and open to the public.

TONIGHT:

Bay County Doxa Dinner is happening TONIGHT at Westminster Presbyterian Church - Bay City!

Come listen to 4 presenters, connect with neighbors, meet local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a meal of soup, salad, and bread!

$5 (cash) for soup, salad, bread, a vote, and live music!

Every dollar collected on Monday evening goes directly toward the micro-grant, which is awarded to the presenter with the most community votes at the end of the dinner!

RSVP: https://forms.gle/TxAFx7cVikdoAqpXA

A few things:
-$5 (cash) at the door
-Doors open at 5:30pm
-Event starts at 6:00pm
-Come hungry!

Presenters:
Momentum Men's Lifestyle Studio
No Whey Babe
Little Builders Play Yard
ARS Lawncare

Thanks to our stellar Doxa team and volunteers for helping us make these events possible. You all are the best!

We extend our gratitude to the Bay Area Community Foundation for their generous program support.

We'd also like to express our appreciation to Westminster Presbyterian Church - Bay City, Huntington National Bank, and Financial Plus Credit Union for their support.

Bay County Doxa Dinner Presenter #4

Vote for Steve Shoultes, Owner of ARS Lawncare on Monday, May 4th at Westminster Presbyterian Church - Bay City!

Come listen to 4 presenters, connect with neighbors, meet local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a simple meal! Doors open at 5:30pm, event starts at 6pm!

$5 (cash) for soup, salad, bread, a vote, and live music!

Bay Doxa Dinner Guest RSVP:
https://forms.gle/TxAFx7cVikdoAqpXA

Overview:

ARS Lawncare

ARS Lawncare is growing a business you don’t always see online, but you hear about from just about everyone. What started with a few lawns has steadily turned into a service operation covering more than 80 properties across Bay, Midland, and surrounding communities. It wasn’t built through ads or big promotions; it grew through showing up, doing the work, and becoming someone people trust to take care of their property.

What makes this business stand out is how it’s been built. ARS Lawncare has expanded largely through word of mouth, with customers recommending the service to neighbors, property managers, and business owners. From residential homes to apartment complexes and commercial spaces, the work has grown because the results speak for themselves. Behind every job is a system of managing crews, coordinating schedules, and covering a wide service area while keeping quality consistent.

Property maintenance takes time, equipment, and consistency; things many homeowners and businesses don’t always have. ARS Lawncare steps into that gap, helping keep spaces clean, safe, and well cared for throughout the season. It’s the service people rely on week after week, especially when they know the job will be done right.

Like many growing businesses, this is a season that requires endurance. Fuel costs fluctuate, equipment wears down, and schedules fill up quickly when demand hits. Even with those pressures, ARS Lawncare continues to move forward through consistency, strong relationships, and a willingness to keep building.

Supported by: Bay Area Community Foundation
Sponsored by: Huntington National Bank and Financial Plus Credit Union

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Bay County Doxa Dinner Presenter #3

Vote for Kaylene Lorenz, Co-owner of Little Builders Play Yard on Monday, May 4th at Westminster Presbyterian Church - Bay City!

Come listen to 4 presenters, connect with neighbors, meet local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a simple meal! Doors open at 5:30pm, event starts at 6pm!

$5 (cash) for soup, salad, bread, a vote, and live music!

Bay Doxa Dinner Guest RSVP:
https://forms.gle/TxAFx7cVikdoAqpXA

Overview:

Little Builders Play Yard

James and Kaylene Lorenz created a business families in Bay City were hoping someone would build. Through Little Builders Play Yard, they opened a huge indoor sandbox designed especially for young children; a safe, clean place where kids can dig, build, create, and simply be kids. It’s a business that helps children play, explore, and grow in spaces made with them in mind.

As local parents themselves, Kaylene and her family saw a gap in the community. While parks and public spaces have their place, they can sometimes feel overwhelming for little ones who need a more controlled and age-appropriate environment. That insight became the spark for Little Builders; a construction-themed play yard where hands-on play takes center stage and imagination gets to lead the way.

What makes the business special is that it was built by family, for families. Every part of the business reflects that shared effort. Their daughter Aireonna helps lead marketing and design, Aleeya works the front desk and is preparing to step into a larger role, and even their youngest, Addison, jumps in where she can.

Like many new businesses, the beginning came with plenty of “what ifs.” But when they took the leap, the community responded with excitement and encouragement. Families have continued to show up, return, and spread the word. That support says something important: Bay City was ready for a place like this. Little Builders Play Yard is doing more than creating a play space, it’s helping build joyful childhood memories, one family at a time.

Supported by: Bay Area Community Foundation
Sponsored by: Huntington National Bank and Financial Plus Credit Union

📸: TRU Heart Photo LLC

Bay County Doxa Dinner Presenter #2

Vote for Sierra Lové, Owner of No Whey Babe on Monday, May 4th at Westminster Presbyterian Church - Bay City!

Come listen to 4 presenters, connect with neighbors, meet local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a simple meal! Doors open at 5:30pm, event starts at 6pm!

$5 (cash) for soup, salad, bread, a vote, and live music!

Bay Doxa Dinner Guest RSVP:
https://forms.gle/TxAFx7cVikdoAqpXA

Overview:

No Whey Babe

No Whey Babe is bringing allergy-friendly baking to Bay City with treats that make every celebration feel festive again. As a cottage baker specializing in gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free desserts, she’s creating sweets for families who are often left with limited options or no dessert at all. Her business is built on a simple idea: dietary needs shouldn’t keep anyone from enjoying joy, tradition, or a really good cupcake.

What makes her idea so special is that it meets both a practical need and an emotional one. For many families navigating food allergies or sensitivities, desserts can feel stressful, disappointing, or off-limits. No Whey Babe is changing that by offering treats that feel fun and made to be shared. She’s helping create moments where everyone at the table can enjoy the same celebration together.

From birthdays and holidays to office parties, school events, family gatherings, or a just-because sweet tooth, her baked goods fill a growing need in the community. She’s making desserts that people can feel excited to bring, confident to serve, and happy to enjoy. In a world where more families are paying close attention to ingredients, her business offers both peace of mind and something delicious.

Like many early-stage businesses, one of her biggest opportunities is visibility. The more people who hear her story, taste her products, and share her name with others, the more this business can grow through word of mouth and loyal customers. With community support, No Whey Babe has the chance to become a go-to name in Bay City for inclusive desserts and allergy-friendly celebrations. She’s building more than baked goods; she’s creating a place at the table where everyone belongs.

Supported by: Bay Area Community Foundation
Sponsored by: Huntington National Bank and Financial Plus Credit Union

📸: TRU Heart Photo LLC

Bay County Doxa Dinner Presenter #1

Vote for Jennifer Behmlander, Co-owner of Momentum Men's Lifestyle Studio on Monday, May 4th at Westminster Presbyterian Church - Bay City!

Come listen to 4 presenters, connect with neighbors, meet local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a simple meal! Doors open at 5:30pm, event starts at 6pm!

$5 (cash) for soup, salad, bread, a vote, and live music!

Bay Doxa Dinner Guest RSVP:
https://forms.gle/TxAFx7cVikdoAqpXA

Overview:

Momentum Men's Lifestyle Studio

Momentum Men's Lifestyle Studio is bringing a fresh energy to downtown Bay City by reimagining what a men’s grooming space can be. More than a barbershop or salon, Momentum was built as a lifestyle studio focused on confidence, style, relaxation, and helping men show up at their best. It’s a place where grooming meets atmosphere, and where a haircut becomes part of a bigger experience.

What makes the concept stand out is its vision. Momentum is fully licensed as both a cosmetology and barber establishment in Michigan, giving the business room to offer a higher standard of service and grow beyond the traditional shop model. Veteran family-owned and based in Bay City, the studio blends professionalism, hospitality, and community in a way that feels both elevated and welcoming.

Many men are looking for more than a quick haircut. They want an experience that feels intentional, not rushed, and a business that values how they show up in the world. Momentum is creating that experience locally through quality service, personal care, and a modern atmosphere built around professionalism and confidence.

Like many early-stage businesses, this is the season where reputation matters most. Every great service, every returning client, and every person who tells a friend helps build something stronger than advertising alone. Momentum Men’s Lifestyle Studio is becoming one of those places people recommend without hesitation; a business known not just for how you look when you leave, but for how you feel when you walk out the door.

Supported by: Bay Area Community Foundation
Sponsored by: Huntington National Bank and Financial Plus Credit Union

📸: TRU Heart Photo LLC