Entrepreneurship

The Red Hook is a coffee shop and bakery in Detroit's West Village.

PARTNER CONTENT: Take the small business survey that captures, and elevates, voices of entreprenuers

“Elevate Your Voice” small business survey is an opportunity for the small businesses of southeast Michigan to share their experiences with the New Economy Initiative (NEI) – and an opportunity for organizations to respond to needs.

Latest in Entrepreneurship
Dwan Dandridge, CEO of Black Leaders Detroit.
$2M pledged to 6 Detroit nonprofits supporting underserved small businesses

Six nonprofit organizations serving underserved small businesses in Detroit will receive a portion of a $2 million commitment from JPMorgan Chase, the financial organization announced this week. 

From tree-cutting to vegan desserts, Build Institute graduates enrich Detroit’s business landscape

Detroit has always hustled harder. Here are three entrepreneurs who are part of a much bigger movement that supports small businesses in our city. 

Larry Phillips and Kimyana Freeman, co-owners of the soon-to-open Waffle Café Detroit.
New gourmet waffle café and restaurant eyes June opening on Avenue of Fashion

“I love being able to help people bring their dreams, goals and aspirations to pass. This year is about taking collaborative efforts and partnerships to the next level,” says Waffle Café Detroit owner Kimyana Freeman.

Future site of the Osborn Community Hub on Gratiot Avenue.
Local businesses encouraged to apply for facade-improvement grants in these three “micro-districts”

Existing, non-chain businesses are being encouraged to apply early for the grants, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Old World Truffle's Truffle honey .
Build Institute helps cultivate the flavor of Detroit’s food ecosystem

“Detroit is a very, very hard-working small business community,” says Build Institute’s Entrepreneur in Residence, Heather Levine. Having launched four successful food businesses, including Midtown’s Chartreuse, she would know. “I think it's also a very supportive small business community […] Everyone leans on each other.”

Lakeland Correctional Facility culinary institute participants learn the ins and outs of fine dining, everything from sourcing fresh ingredients to plating.
‘Coldwater Kitchen’ serves up life lessons from prison culinary training program

"Coldwater Kitchen," a new documentary from Brian Kaufman and Mark Kurlyandchik premiering this week, follows the journeys of Chef Jimmy Hill and three inmates inside and outside of prison.   

Mapping Detroit: Where do your Coney Island allegiances lie?

Detroit’s downtown is home to the Lafayette versus American rivalry, Northwest has Coney Islands right next to each other and includes Nicky D’s, while east of the State Fairgrounds sports a string of Coneys (mostly along Conant Street). Where is your go-to?

Build Institute prepares to launch coworking spaces for entrepreneurial community

Located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Build Institute aims to provide a nurturing environment for microentrepreneurs. As part of that supportive ecosystem, they’re launching a brand-new coworking space, providing professionals with resources, technology, and networking opportunities.

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned at The Black Salt in Hamtramck.
Serving spirits past and present at Hamtramck’s witchcraft cocktail bar

“This is the place where you can come and meet other people like you," says Zoey Ashwood, owner of The Black Salt in Hamtramck. "You don't have to be so hidden anymore.”

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