Coverage of those starting up businesses and community resources to help them thrive.
“As much as we are a dog park and bar, we like to think we’re so much more than that,” says Barkside co-founder Cody Williams. “It’s just a really fun casual environment, and it’s so easy for folks to meet and make friends.”
Photographer David Lewinski documents Saturdays in downtown Farmington at their award-winning farmers market.
“TechTown’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship doesn’t end with the Hatch Off; incubating Detroit’s small businesses is a year-round endeavor supported by our entrepreneurial and technical assistance programs that provide ongoing support to our winning alumni and top finalists," says Christianne Malone, assistant vice president for economic development at Wayne State University and TechTown Detroit’s chief program officer.
What started as a love for hexagons while studying architecture led Jessica Brady to bees. Now the founder of Mother Hive, an Oak Park small business that specializes in baked goods, Brady's uses honey from her backyard apiary to sweeten her recipes.
“Part of what makes Detroit’s small business landscape so incredibly special is the community’s shared vision for vibrant neighborhoods and unwavering dedication to see local businesses thrive,” says Christianne Malone, assistant vice president for economic development at Wayne State University and chief program officer of TechTown Detroit.
Sweet Potato Sensations is the living legacy of a family business based in Old Redford. Through longtime community support, and a continuous network of small business resources including BUILD Institute, the multi-generational business is going on 37 years.
“When we assist local entrepreneurs in opening grocery stores right in the neighborhoods they know best, it empowers residents to meet essential needs while creating new jobs," says DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson. "This is one way to drive opportunity that uplifts our whole community.”
“Our Black Business Reunion is a celebration and recognition of Detroit’s Black business community, their everlasting legacy and the impact they make in our everyday lives,” says Christianne Malone, chief program officer at TechTown Detroit.
"Hatch Detroit continues to attract community-minded entrepreneurs who are strengthening Detroit's small business economy," says Christianne Malone, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and Chief Program Officer of TechTown Detroit.
The Metro Detroit hospitality industry is buzzing with new activity, so we check out eight places to try this year. "The amount of people that have stopped by to let us know that they live nearby and are excited is kind of overwhelming,” says Pie Sci founder Jeremy Damaske, who is opening an Oak Park location soon.
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