Tell us how we can help.

Detroit Means Business is a new program for Detroit small businesses that are operating and reopening under the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides access to resources, information and experts to ensure businesses can safely reopen and operate in a way that ensures the health and safety of employees and customers.

Small businesses are the primary drivers of our city’s job creation and productivity growth. Those under 50 employees located in cities like Detroit often do not have access to traditional capital or resources and often are overwhelmed by the number of resources found online. Providing trusted and vetted resources through an accessible site will accelerate their ability to operate safely and save business owners’ time.

Small businesses that are operating in the city of Detroit with under 50 employees that are currently serving customers or in the process of reopening according to the Governor’s Michigan Safe Start Plan.

The partners and funders behind the Detroit Means Business program intend to serve Detroit-based small businesses, but some of the resources compiled and created for this program are accessible to all businesses regardless of geography, including webinars, reopening playbooks, and online informational resources.

There are 34 partners helping to spread the word of this program. They include business support organizations, chambers, and member associations with Detroit-based clients and members. In addition, the program is promoted through social media and radio ads.

There are 34 nonprofit business service organizations, chambers of commerce and membership associations that have trusted relationships with small businesses, particularly those owned by women and people of color.

A collaboration of experienced nonprofit organizations, Community Development Finance Institutions, microfinance programs, and corporate partners is providing financial and technical assistance support.

This program is being led by the Office of the Mayor of Detroit in partnership with Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the local economic development office of the city. It was conceived by a collaboration of the city of Detroit, MEDC, and private, philanthropic and nonprofit sector leaders.