As Detroit gears up for its next mayoral election, we must put small businesses, especially Black-owned enterprises, at the forefront of our strategy for growth. Small businesses are not just essential to our economy; they are the lifeblood of our communities, employing over 50% of Detroiters and generating vital tax revenue.

Recent findings from the Michigan Black Business Alliance highlight the urgent need for action:

– 69% of Black-owned businesses face funding barriers.
– 66% struggle with affordable commercial space.
– A staggering 89% believe the city falls short in supporting access to capital.

To truly empower our small business landscape, the new administration must prioritize the creation of a dedicated department of small business affairs, modernize procurement processes, and invest in thriving local commercial corridors. We have the opportunity to transform our small business ecosystem into a vibrant, supportive network that not only drives the Detroit economy but also fosters community vitality.

This is a pivotal moment for Detroit. Let’s work hand in hand with the incoming leadership to ensure that our strategy champions small business growth, prioritizes equity, and taps into the potential of Black-owned businesses.

When it comes to empowering small businesses, digital sovereignty must be part of the conversation. That’s where B1Thrive’s ThrivCloud comes in. Our cloud-based and secure productivity solution is designed specifically for Black-owned businesses. With fully customizable tools and multilingual options (English/Spanish, with plans to expand to Swahili, French, and Yoruba), ThrivCloud ensures that every entrepreneur has the resources they need to thrive. Let’s harness technology to elevate the businesses that drive our communities forward!