The Dobrusin Law Firm is proud of Shareholder Daniela Walters’ continued dedication and commitment to the City of Pontiac through her role as Advisory Council chair for Pontiac’s BIG IDEA Grant Program. Sponsored by Flagstar Bank and coordinated by Main Street Pontiac, the program provided $500,000 in grants and loans for small businesses that proposed BIG IDEAS to bring jobs and growth to the city.

An economic stimulus for growth in downtown Pontiac and city-wide, Pontiac’s BIG IDEA Grant Program provided more than 70 grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses over the program’s five-year run. A competitive application process determined the grants’ recipients, with an annual $50,000-$100,000 award going to a business with a game-changing BIG IDEA to produce a significant number of jobs or greatly attract visitors to Pontiac.

An ardent supporter of our hometown city, Daniela was instrumental in the program’s success from its inception, starting as a program member up to her current role as Advisory Council chair. As chair, Daniela devoted her time throughout the grant process, coordinating the overall program, reviewing grant applications, and working with the council to select the recipients, and managing fund distribution. Our office staff, including Kim Tombrella and Jim Luckhardt, have also spent the past few years interfacing with recipients as our office also provided a central location for applicants and recipients.

Additional partners in the program included CEED Lending, BUILD Institute, ProsperUS Detroit, T. Ramsey & Associates, and the Pontiac Community Foundation.

The Dobrusin Law Firm is honored to be a part of the Pontiac community and appreciates Flagstar Bank, Main Street Pontiac, and Daniela’s dedication to making our city grow and thrive.

Pictured: Daniela Walters and Sean Preston, CEO of Yaktown Don’t Back Down