Colin Hubbell, who passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer, was more than a Midtown developer. He was one of the neighborhood's first champions, a true urban visionary who understood that small business owners would help remake the Midtown district into a true community. And, given his experience working in city administration, his consulting and mentoring were invaluable to new entrepreneurs unfamiliar with Detroit's workings.
"He was really helpful with assisting people in small businesses -- he really valued that," says his wife, Trish Hubbell, who began the Hubbell Fund to honor his passion for assisting entrepreneurs.
Carrying on that legacy, the Hubbell Fund announced its latest mini-grants to Midtown area entrepreneurs, contributing primarily facade improvements to several local businesses. People's Records, 14 East and Thistle Coffee Shop all received grants for new signage; security doors will be funded for the Art Center Music School. Bike racks will be built for visitors to the Park Shelton building; employees at Source Booksellers will receive the money to purchase an internet software and hardware system; These are just a few of almost a dozen grants currently being administered by the Hubbell Fund, with several more grants in the works for 2011.
Hubbell says her husband wouldn't be surprised by the current wave of entrepreneurs staking their claim on Midtown's soil. "This is what Colin kept emphasizing -- you need to get a critical mass, you can start to create buzz, and create a demand," she says. "People really miss community, and small businesses are all about serving your local community."
The Colin Hubbell Fund is currently accepting donations. Find out more about how you can help
here.
Source: Trish Hubbell, Hubbel Fund
Writer: Ashley C. Woods
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