Gathering spaces in Detroit are a hot commodity and not easy to come by, so the loss of just one is usually a substantial hit to the community. A handful of new baristas are trying their hand at pop-up coffee offerings and we can’t wait until they have some physical space to add to the growing demand.
"...we know that if we don't learn to work together and trust each other and create that system, because we have systems against us, we need to be smarter to create systems for us working together," says Jason Dixon, founder of the Inkster-based Strategic Alliance Community Development.
From vegan baked goods to skincare products to All Things Detroit, the holiday season is a time for the city's small businesses to shine. Here are three local gems you should know about, and how they find support from entrepreneurial applifiers in Detroit.
"My father was the first Black entrepreneur to establish multiple businesses in the same area, back in 1945," says Harrison Liquor owner Ruth Williams. "So we also thought it was really a great opportunity to open another family business in the community."
"Right now, the business is good for the community. Everybody's supportive," says Doudou Kane of the Inkster family-owned and operated KG’s African-American Grill. "The business is booming."
"I'm learning, as a business owner and entrepreneur, you have to do that in order to get where you need to go, take out your loans, look for extra capital," says Shadia Amen. Her Dearborn photography business is steadily growing, and she has advice for others.
"My father was an entrepreneur," says Que Shebley, founder of the brand by the same name, based in Dearborn, Michigan. "He owned small footwear specialty shops in the Middle East, and I always wanted to continue that journey, but bring a more modern approach to the new, modern shopper."
“This pilot program is unique because instead of requiring a $1 for $1 match, where you are required to contribute a certain amount to your savings, we are matching your time and commitment to your financial future,” says Essence Wilson, Chief Strategy Officer at Communities First.
When three Detroit women joined forces to open a dance studio at the tail end of the pandemic, they were immediately swamped with enrollments. Since then, they've navigated challenges with community support and small business grants, making a name for themselves.
Detroit is considered to be one of the top-ranking emerging ecosystems in the world, so we take a closer look at how our entrepreneurs support each other and what's working to grow small businesses.
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