2020 is reminding me of 1967. As a youngster in ’67, I can vividly recall images of parts of a major American city, Detroit, being devastated due to a civil disturbance. Once vibrant streets sat empty for years in the aftermath of the ’67 civil riots on hot, July days. Empty and hallowed out store […]
Small businesses continue to open on a regular basis in Detroit, according to The LEE Group Founder Mark S. Lee, who is among advocates helping start-ups, stay up in Detroit. It’s no surprise that demand for small business resources is growing in concert with neighborhood and small business expansions. Among upcoming small business resources, is […]
When John Hope Bryant looks around Detroit, he sees the city has all of the elements it needs to be successful: Its location is outstanding. It has strong small businesses. It has stable leadership. The only thing missing? Energy. Inspiration. Drive. The power of long-term vision. Leaders here have spent so much time getting the […]
It’s the young people that you notice most when you drive around downtown. And midtown. And Corktown. And many parts of the city. “It’s inspiring to see young people who care about our city an want to contribute to the effort to make it the best it can be.” -Luther Keith, Executive Director, ARISE Detroit […]
It’s a conversation Detroiters have with increasing frequency. The question of how to make sure they see themselves reflected in the city’s ongoing renewal is debated everywhere from living room block club gatherings to local taverns. A blue ribbon panel of developers and community leaders will discuss how to promote inclusive neighborhood development at the […]
While there typically is huge excitement when starting a new business – sending out press releases, hosting grand-opening celebrations, welcoming waves of new customers – that passion can fade and even be extinguished when the reality of operating day-to-day hits. Sustaining a business beyond the first year, maintaining and growing a business customer base as […]
Small shops are the mainstay of our neighborhoods. Open the door and look inside and you will discover dreamers and doers who embody the spirit and energy of Detroit’s entrepreneurial class. Last October, during minority business month, we invited our readers to meet them inside our Small Shops series sponsored by Comcast Business. We were proud to shine an oft-needed […]
One of Jill Ford’s many hats for the city of Detroit is to help local entrepreneurs go from having an idea for a new business to opening their doors to customers. It is a job she took on with Mayor Mike Duggan more than two years ago, and she is impressed and encouraged by the […]
What does it take to succeed as a business in Detroit? How do newcomers become integrated with long-time companies? How do you grow if you’ve stalled or have an idea to expand? Those are the questions that small-business owners like Regina Gaines of the House of Pure Vin asks herself on the regular. They are […]
Detroit is hot! Yes, when it comes to entrepreneurship, it’s on a roll with new businesses sprouting up across the city. According to a recently published report, nearly two dozen restaurants, stores and service businesses have opened in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood over the past year, and at least a dozen more are on the way […]