Detroit Means Business is a coalition of small business owners, support organizations, large corporations and public entities in Detroit coming together to support the evolution of an equitable, best in class small business environment that allows Detroit to thrive. Now positioned within the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), in partnership with key stakeholders, the coalition will exponentially increase the impact of the existing small business support ecosystem. Informed by Detroit small business owners and designed specifically to identify and remove systemic barriers to their success, DMB represents an important new mechanism for addressing the need for shared prosperity. The DMB coalition aspires to help small business owners quickly adapt to the rapidly changing COVID-driven reality and become the primary go to hub to help Detroit small businesses stabilize, grow, and thrive.

Small businesses are the primary drivers of our city’s job creation and productivity growth. Those under 50 employees located in cities like Detroit often do not have access to traditional capital or resources and often are overwhelmed by the number of resources found online. Providing trusted and vetted resources through an accessible site will accelerate their ability to operate safely and save business owners’ time.

Small businesses that are operating in the city of Detroit with under 50 employees that are currently serving customers or in the process of reopening according to the Governor’s Michigan Safe Start Plan.

The partners and funders behind the Detroit Means Business program intend to serve Detroit-based small businesses, but some of the resources compiled and created for this program are accessible to all businesses regardless of geography, including webinars, reopening playbooks, and online informational resources.

There are 34 partners helping to spread the word of this program. They include business support organizations, chambers, and member associations with Detroit-based clients and members. In addition, the program is promoted through social media and radio ads.

There are 34 nonprofit business service organizations, chambers of commerce and membership associations that have trusted relationships with small businesses, particularly those owned by women and people of color.

A collaboration of experienced nonprofit organizations, Community Development Finance Institutions, microfinance programs, and corporate partners is providing financial and technical assistance support.

This program is being led by the Small Business Services team at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC). It was conceived by a collaboration of the City of Detroit, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and private, philanthropic and nonprofit sector leaders.