Detroit Innovation

Detroit Innovation is a series highlighting community-led projects that are improving the vitality of neighborhoods in Detroit, while recognizing the potential of residents to work with partners to solve the most pressing challenges facing their communities.

The series is supported by the New Economy Initiative, a project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan that's working to create an inclusive, innovative regional culture.

Former President and CEO Christi Coady Narayanan speaks at one of Opp Fund's anniversary events. Courtesy photo.

OppFund looks back on impact with 40th anniversary; new leadership looks to continue legacy

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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July 9, 2025

For more than 35 years, Christi Coady Narayanan led the transformative work of the Opportunity Resource Fund (OppFund), as the President and CEO of the nonprofit community development financial institution. She retired last month, passing the torch to the new President and CEO Byna Elliott, to continue the organization’s unwavering commitment and innovation in empowering individuals, businesses, and communities all over the state.

Left to Right: Paul Jones, Jennifer Hayes, and Lucius Vassar inside La Joya Gardens

Detroit CDFI coalition amplifies positive outcomes in communities across the city

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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June 2, 2025

CDFIs or community development financial institutions care deeply about the neighborhoods in which they live, work, and serve. Within the Detroit CDFI Coalition, these nonprofit financial institutions often collaborate together to provide an even more amplified catalyst of growth, prosperity and revitalization throughout unique communities across Detroit.

“As Detroit continues to cement itself as the premier technology hub, it’s critical to highlight and lift up our Black talent and entrepreneurs who have made Detroit into the destination it is,” says James Feagin, founder of Venture 313.

Inaugural Black Tech Weekend conference debuts in Detroit this October

By MJ Galbraith

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Development News

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August 8, 2023

“As Detroit continues to cement itself as the premier technology hub, it’s critical to highlight and lift up our Black talent and entrepreneurs who have made Detroit into the destination it is,” says James Feagin, founder of Venture 313.

Building buzz: Eastern Market Brewing Co. offers equity in record-breaking investment campaign

By MJ Galbraith

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Economic Development

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December 13, 2022

“The great thing about this is that it gives access to shares to investors that may not have the means to make larger investments,” says Dayne Bartscht, co-founder and managing partner of Eastern Market Brewing Co. “The minimum investment for us is $500, which is still a lot of money to a lot of people, but it gives an opportunity for someone who believes in us to make a smaller investment and hopefully we'll be able to repay that many times over.”

Street art festival aims to establish Detroit as a destination for augmented reality murals

By MJ Galbraith

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General

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September 20, 2022

“I’m super excited to go into this digital art world, it’s the next level of art,” says artist El Cappy, whose “WARM” mural can be found on the side of The Scott development in Brush Park. “It’s definitely going to be the next big thing.”

Stahelin Avenue was hit particularly hard by the housing crisis.

Resilient Neighborhoods: A resident-led group has drastically cut vacancies on Detroit’s West Side

By David Sands

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General

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August 16, 2022

Citzens of this West Side Detroit neighborhood banded together in the face of blight and abandonment. And helped it rebound from a major crisis.

Mose Primus, Jaqueline Fulbright, and Emmitt Russell take a hard-earned break from their work on the Yorkshire Woods community gardens.

‘People to support, not problems to be solved’: How this Detroit fellowship cultivates change-makers

By Kate Roff

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Diversity

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December 22, 2020

When COVID-19 hit Michigan this year, the Detroit Innovation Fellowship cohort were well placed to support the communities hit hardest. The 23 social innovators involved in the talent development program are proving that their focus on creating sustainable, accessible resources builds the kind of resilience that see communities through a crisis.

Karanja Famodou, left, and Ali Dirul are the co-founders of energy solutions business, Ryter Cooperative Industries.

COVID-19 shines a light on accessible solar power’s role in Detroit communities

By Kate Roff

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Entrepreneurship

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December 15, 2020

In Detroit communities hit hardest by COVID-19, solar power projects provided some relief and continuity of service this year. For engineers and entrepreneurs Ali Dirul and Karanja Famodou, renewable energy is not just about the sustaining the environment, it's about sustaining equity.

Manistique Community Treehouse organizer is a force of, and for, nature

By Kate Roff

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Community Development

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December 8, 2020

COVID-19 setbacks and losses have not been able to diminish the optimism of neighborhood innovator Tammy Black. The Jefferson Chalmers resident is drawing on the strength of her community to sustain plans for the construction of a treehouse community center and advocate for horticultural therapy.

Lindsay McCaw designed and created a peacock puppet for the Carrie Morris Art Production collaboration with the Detroit Zoo.

Carrie Morris Arts Production adapts to continue performing community role during COVID-19

By Kate Roff

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Arts and Culture

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December 1, 2020

A group of Detroit puppeteers discovered their performing arts nonprofit is surprisingly well-placed to survive COVID-19 restrictions, with established partners, the creativity to explore new mediums, and a focus on equitable access to the arts.