Small businesses will make a big splash at events in downtown Detroit parks this summer.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is asking Detroit-based vendors to apply to be featured at Downtown Street Eats, Market Thursdays, Market Fridays and the Night Markets at Beacon Park. The events attract thousands of weekly visitors.

Downtown Street Eats, Michigan’s largest weekly gathering of food trucks, is now in its sixth season. It attracts more than 2,500 patrons every weekday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and features 75 food trucks. At Cadillac Square, two food huts provide a chance for vendors to participate without a food truck or cart.

“All are encouraged to apply, but we are especially interested in working with Detroit-based businesses,” says Robert Gregory, chief planning and public spaces officer at the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “The market and food truck programs offer a tremendous opportunity for vendors to be exposed to thousands of customers daily. We want to ensure that Detroit’s small business and food entrepreneurs are highlighted in this uniquely Detroit experience.”

Market Thursdays and Fridays at Beacon Park and Cadillac Square respectively feature small businesses selling handmade jewelry, clothing, artwork, bath and body products and cottage foods. DDP is also accepting applications from Michigan farmers who wish to sell their seasonal produce weekly from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vendors will also participate in Night Market at Beacon Park this summer where there is a free event every Saturday night June 9 through August 25 from 7 p.m. to midnight. More than 2,000 attend each event. For the second year running, DDP has partnered with Jennyfer Crawford of Ask Jennyfer to curate vendors.

“We found (Beacon Park’s Night Market) to be successful for our business as it was not only an opportunity to sell and market our product, but an opportunity to connect with the community, gain immediate feedback on our merchandise and grow our mailing list. We are excited to return this year,” says LaVonne Ellis, founder of Tealing and Co.

All vendor applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the 2018 summer season, however, space is limited so those interested are encouraged to apply early.

Vendors wishing to participate in Downtown Street Eats, Market Thursday and Market Friday vendors can apply by clicking here.

Those who wish to be featured at Beacon Park’s Night Market can submit their application via Ask Jennyfer’s website.

Weekly program participation fees range from $25 for Market Thursday and Fridays, $75 for Night Markets and $300 to $450 for Downtown Street Eats, depending on the park or public space.

All fees are used by DDP to program, operate and manage several Downtown Detroit parks and public spaces.

Editor’s Note: This small business feature is sponsored by Bank of America. To learn more about Bank of America’s many programs and resources for small business owners visit: https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/business-financing.go.

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