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The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and the City of Detroit’s Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) have partnered to host an educational series to help Detroit entrepreneurs and building property owners navigate the complex world of city compliance. The second annual “Small Business Corridor Compliance Education Series” will run from April 29 to August 26, offering valuable insights on regulatory compliance, enforcement, vacant property accountability and resources for participants. With approximately 40 percent of Detroiters considering themselves entrepreneurs, clear guidance on city compliance is more important than ever. Failing to comply with regulations can result in liens, garnishments, seizures and other legal actions. The education series aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to avoid these pitfalls and create a more compliant and thriving business environment in Detroit. DEGC’s District Business Liaisons (DBLs), who serve as the primary point of contact between the City and the small business community, will play a crucial role in facilitating the series and providing ongoing support to entrepreneurs. By leveraging their expertise and local knowledge, the DBLs will help ensure that the series is tailored to the specific needs of each district and that participants receive the guidance they need to succeed. The series will feature in-person sessions in each of Detroit's seven City Council districts, as well as monthly webinars at DetroitMeansBusiness.org/dbl for those unable to attend in person. The in-person sessions will take place on the following dates: ·       District 7 - April 29th, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Adams Butzel Complex ·       District 1 - May 20th, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Crowell Recreation Center ·       District 4 - June 4th, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at MASH Detroit ·       District 3 - June 24th, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Matrix Human Services ·       District 5 - July 15th, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Butzel Family ·       District 2 - August 12th, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Live6 Alliance Neighborhood HomeBase ·       District 6 - August 26th, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Patton Memorial The sessions are free for small business owners and building property owners in Detroit. For more information visit DetroitMeansBusiness.org/dbl or DEGC.org/ district-business-liaisons.

Marlo Rencher, PhD, CDE, president of Detroit Means Business, recently had their research published with three other colleagues in the Journal of Business Anthropology! Their essay, “Re-Centering Race in Emancipatory Entrepreneurship: Black Female Tech Founders, Money, and Meaning in a Detroit-Based Incubator Program,” explores “the perceptions and attitudes of Black female tech entrepreneurs towards capitalism in the context of an incubator program in Detroit” and the importance of understanding “minority entrepreneurs’ historical inequalities and lived experiences with capitalism.” Data presented in this essay comes from an ethnographic study of STEM Entrepreneurial Excellence Program (STEEP), a TechTown business incubator program. Detroit Means Business and the DEGC are proud of Marlo and congratulate her for this amazing accomplishment!

Detroit Means Business is ready to provide up to $3.4 million in business assistance for Detroit small business owners. Applications are open through April 30, 2024. According to Detroit Means Business Outreach Director Tenecia Johnson, since the application window opened in October, 256 business owners have filed for a chance at the funding. “We’ve had applications rolling in,” Johnson said. “We launched a business assistance service provider symposium in July in an effort to bring on partners to work with the businesses. I think we’re being good stewards in offering the program because it helps business owners, their families, and the neighborhoods they operate in.” Each approved project will receive up to $25,000 in funding that can be applied to professional services. The approved business owners are also eligible for funding for up to five consecutive projects across multiple categories like accounting, marketing and web development, making the total possible award $125,000. Read more from Crain's Detroit Business HERE. You can visit www.detroitmeansbusiness.org/dmbba to learn more.

Registration is now open for the rescheduled BuyDetroit Passport 2 Procurement Conference 2. Passport 2 Procurement Conference 2 will be held on January 25, 2024 at Hollywood Casino at Greektown from 9:00 am to 5 pm, with doors opening at 8:00 am. Network and grow your small business at the 2nd annual Passport to Procurement Conference hosted by BuyDetroit. This can't-miss event on January 25, brings together suppliers, resources and buyers to help Detroit entrepreneurs connect and compete, leading to future capital opportunities. Hear inspiring keynotes from coach Mathew Knowles, Detroit Lions legend Herman Moore, and entrepreneur Karissma Yve. This full day of learning and networking, held in partnership with Pure Michigan Business Connect, aims to showcase our city's vibrant community of small businesses. Register now and get your passport stamped for success. Event Details: Date: Thursday, January 25, 2024: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (doors open at 8 am) Location: Greektown Hollywood Casino and Hotel Registration: https://degc.connect.space/2024-passport-to-procurement-conference-p2pc/details

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Detroit Means Business have awarded over $35,000 in 2023 Commercial Holiday Activation Grants throughout Detroit’s Commercial Corridors. Sponsored by Bank of America, New Economy Initiative and Invest Detroit, these small grants award organizations or businesses collaborating with others in their corridors to create programming to drive foot traffic to Detroit neighborhood small businesses during the holiday shopping season. Grants were available in two tiers – the Corridor Champion grant and the Corridor Hero grant: Corridor Champion grants (up to $2,000) were for 501c3 organizations established over two years with a proven track record of corridor event planning and collaboration. Corridor Hero grants (up to $1,000) were for local small businesses that wanted to collaborate with other local businesses on the corridor and/or invite home-based businesses to the corridor for pop-up markets and events. In total, $35,960 in grants were awarded to 24 applicants, ranging from $500 to $2,000 each. Commercial holiday activation events have already begun and will continue throughout December. Congratulations to the 2023 Commercial Holiday Activation Grant recipients!

DETROIT (November 13, 2023) - The Detroit Economic Growth Association (DEGA) and six partner organizations have been awarded a $3.4 million grant to support small businesses and empower entrepreneurs in Detroit. The grant comes from the Small Business Support Hubs program, an initiative of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to foster inclusive economic growth across the state. The DEGA, which undertakes charitable work led by the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), will lead a collaborative effort with local organizations Build Institute, ProsperUs, Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance, Highland Park Community Kitchen, Milestone Growth Capital and Black Leaders Detroit to establish up to 25 entrepreneurial hubs in Detroit neighborhoods. At these hubs, aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners can access coaching, training, networking opportunities and other resources to help them start and grow successful companies. Currently, 1% of residents know all the services available through the city’s robust small business ecosystem. "This grant will allow us to take our support of Detroit entrepreneurs to the next level," said Dr. Marlo Rencher, president of Detroit Means Business, a small business initiative within the DEGC. "By partnering with these outstanding organizations rooted in Detroit's neighborhoods, we'll be able to reach more entrepreneurs, especially people of color, and provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to turn their dreams into thriving businesses." The partner organizations involved in the collaborative effort are spearheaded by African American leaders who graduated from Detroit Public Schools. Their backgrounds and deep community ties give them critical insight into the needs of local business owners and residents when it comes to small business services. The group plans to share more details about the entrepreneurial hubs in early 2024. This DEGA-led initiative is one of 27 entrepreneurial hub projects receiving MEDC grants, announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on November 9. Over $75 million in grants were awarded to organizations across the state. At least 50% of the businesses that the hubs will serve will be minority-owned businesses, exceeding the 20% state requirement. They will provide coaching, training, networking, access to capital, and other support to help small businesses launch, grow, and thrive. "Equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed is critical for economic growth in Detroit and across Michigan," said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. "We're thrilled to collaborate with our partners on this transformative project that will create opportunity in neighborhoods across our city." About Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC): Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity. About Detroit Means Business (DMB): Detroit Means Business is a coalition of business support organizations and government agencies that was established to help small businesses in Detroit, Michigan. The coalition’s primary objective is to provide small business owners with the resources and support they need to survive and thrive in Detroit’s economy. This includes access to financing, training, technical assistance and other resources.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Passport to Procurement 2 Conference, originally scheduled for November 9, has been postponed. We are actively working to secure a new date, likely in January 2024, and will provide an update as soon as details are finalized. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this postponement causes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mikki Godfrey at MGodfrey@DEGC.org.

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Detroit Means Business are offering small grants to organizations or businesses that will create programming to drive foot traffic to Detroit neighborhood small businesses during the holiday shopping season. This year, grants are available in two tiers: the Corridor Champion grant and the Corridor Hero grant. Corridor Champion grants (up to $2,000) are for 501c3 organizations established longer than two years with a proven track record of corridor event planning and collaboration. Corridor Hero grants (up to $1000) are for local small businesses that want to collaborate with other local businesses on the corridor and/or invite home-based businesses to the corridor for pop-up markets and events. Applications are NOW OPEN! Apply for a Commercial Holiday Activation Grant HERE. Commercial Holiday Activation Grant applications close Monday, October 30, 2023. Small business owners and the organizations that support them are invited to apply.

The Pasa la Palabra: Latin-X-Tech event was a collaborative event that was put together by the Southwest Detroit Small Business Support Work Group and a similar duplication of TechTown’s Black History Month event celebrating Tech amongst Black Businesses. The group is comprised of several business-serving organizations, including the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and Detroit Means Business (DMB), who meet monthly to discuss how to better serve Southwest Detroit (D6) small businesses. The group began early this year in March and brought together the following groups: TechTown Detroit NEI Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) Detroit Means Business (DMB) Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC) Southwest Detroit Business Association ProsperUs Detroit Accounting Aid Society The Office of D6 Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero Fair Food Network Grace in Action Michigan Hispanic Collaborative Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision The SWD work group has been meeting monthly, including sub-committee meetings to tirelessly plan this event which had multiple components to the event: BSO Panel with 10 organizations talking about the services and programs they offer to small businesses. Keynote Speaker Youth Robotics Demonstration DBL D6 Mix and Mingle in collaboration with The DHDC Friday Fantazma Market Small Latino Business Owner Panel led by D6 DBL Musical Performances TikTok Challenge winner announcement The Keynote Speaker focused on how the digital divide impacts Latino-based businesses and included business owner Eddi Gonzalez from Eye Breathe Design (and App Developer) who talked about his experiences as a business owner working in digital media marketing, his start and how he helped a local free newspaper that ran solely on paid printed advertisement digitize and increase their opportunity for paid ads along with helping them increase their reach by adding an online version of the paper. The conversation was held with local historian, community activist and musician Ozzie Rivera. DHDC houses an entire center that annually helps about 20 different Youth Robotics Teams from across the city. They also have their own Robotics Team for students at schools who don’t have one. This center brings together professionals in the field from companies like the Big 3 and mentors students to help build and compete in competitions throughout the state and nationally. During the Youth Robotics Demonstration mentors brought out two robots and did a demonstration for the audience. When the D6 Mix and Mingle/DHDC Fantazma Market kicked off, District 6 Business Liaison Nancy Cepeda led a Latino Business Owner Panel and interviewed: David Medina Alvarez from LIVAQ, a company that produces and facilitates eco-friendly off-road experiences through sustainable technologies (ATV off-road vehicles) Will Marquez from WithPurpose, an Urban public design studio that does urban development consulting, design strategy, architecture management, and community-based public space projects. Jessie Feliz from SWAG, a company that provides Spanish language classes to students, adults, teachers and schools but through a lens of the home language perspective. Cepeda provided the panel with questions that allowed the business owners to reflect on their why, their journey to becoming business owners and what it means to have representation in the business ecosystem. The Fantazma Market hosted by DHDC is an event the D6 Mix and Mingle collaborated with, is a Friday (3x/month) event held to provide a space for artisans and small business vendors (including food-based businesses) to come together through food and music to bring the community together to support Food Based Businesses. Here's an in-depth look into the Pasa la Palabra: Latin-X-Tech event from "One Detroit" on Detroit Public TV:

Network and grow your small business at the 2nd annual Passport to Procurement Conference hosted by BuyDetroit. This can't-miss event on November 9 brings together suppliers, resources and buyers to help Detroit entrepreneurs connect and compete, leading to future capital opportunities. Hear inspiring keynotes from coach Mathew Knowles and Detroit Lions legend Herman Moore. This full day of learning and networking, held in partnership with Pure Michigan Business Connect, aims to showcase our city's vibrant community of small businesses. Register now and get your passport stamped for success. Event Details: Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (doors open at 8 am) Location: Greektown Hollywood Casino and Hotel Registration: https://degc.connect.space/2023-passport-to-procurement-conference-p2pc/details

DETROIT (September 29, 2023) — Detroit Means Business, a coalition of private, public and philanthropic partners committed to serving Detroit's small business sector, has announced a cohort of entrepreneurs tasked with addressing challenges facing small businesses in the city. Seven Detroit-based entrepreneurs have been selected to participate in the Small Business Owner Advocates (SBOA) Fellowship. Over the span of 10 months, fellows will collaborate to remedy an issue impacting small business owners. Their solution will then be presented at the 2023 Small Business Summit. The summit, hosted annually by DMB, offers entrepreneurs a platform to acquire concrete skills essential for elevating their businesses. “The SBOA Fellowship represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to uplift Detroit's small business community. By engaging with the fellowship, business owners are poised to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth and innovation within Detroit’s small business ecosystem," said DMB President Dr. Marlo Rencher. “We believe that by harnessing the expertise and experiences of local entrepreneurs, we can drive positive change and foster a more prosperous business environment for all.” Fellows will engage in a robust curriculum to develop vital advocacy and business acumen. This includes mastering the art of fostering community connections within their district, expanding their business footprint beyond local confines, prioritizing self-care and creating tangible advancements within Detroit's business landscape. In addition, fellows will receive mentorship from established Detroit entrepreneurs and access to their networks. "The resilience of Detroit's business community depends on the insights of its entrepreneurs," said SBOA fellow Nezaa Bandele, owner of Paradise Natural Foods. "It's an honor to support a program that lets me directly empower other entrepreneurs. DMB gets that - they know the entrepreneurial spirit drives Detroit.” The fellowship was developed in collaboration with DMB’s SBOA Prime members, who were the first group of entrepreneurs recruited by Detroit Means Business to guide the development of its initiatives. Participating members of the current cohort (SBOA II) are established, profitable, and Detroit-based with at least three employees. They include: · Nezaa Bandele, owner of Paradise Natural Foods · Robyn Childers, owner of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness · Cathrynn Coleman, owner of Bouncing Around the Motor City · Jonathan Farley, owner of Accesspoint Transport · Joaquín Oyuela, owner of Huapi LLC · Jasmine Royster, owner of Trap Vegan · Tonja Stapleton, owner of Parkstone Development Partners "This fellowship further represents DMB's commitment to the City of Detroit and has the potential to drive prosperity for the small business community," said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, which manages DMB. “Fellows will walk away with tangible skills on how to become a voice for entrepreneurs and use it to create positive change.” For more information on the SBOA Fellowship, visit www.detroitmeansbusiness.org/sboa. About Detroit Means Business (DMB): Detroit Means Business is a coalition of business support organizations and government agencies that was established to help small businesses in Detroit, Michigan. The coalition's primary objective is to provide small business owners with the resources and support they need to survive and thrive in Detroit's economy. This includes access to financing, training, technical assistance and other resources. About Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC): Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity.