In this space, I have previously written about Detroit’s bankruptcy and, as a native Detroiter, its emotional impact on me when first announced. I have also discussed Detroit’s future at various times on TV and and my Small Talk radio broadcast. While Friday was a momentous day for the city, it is only a start…

There are many locally-based organizations focused on entrepreneurship and supporting small business development across the Detroit region. However, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is a statewide agency which is focused on economic development. It is a public/private partnership that is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, talent and jobs, tourism,…

The entrepreneurial journey continues… If you’re a regular reader of “Small Talk”, you know we’ve been tracking Brian Clark, a 25-year old Detroit native, U-M graduate and fledgling entrepreneur. In 2013, Clark suddenly quit his corporate job, packed up and moved to San Francisco after winning a Hackathon, in Detroit, to focus on developing technology…

There is a significant amount of investment coming into Detroit to support small business development and entrepreneurship. However, as a business owner, are you aware of the various types of programs and how to access funding to support your short and longer-term goals and needs? An example is Invest Detroit. In 1995, Detroit Renaissance (today,…

There are many entrepreneurs who have decided to start a business immediately after graduating from college or after working a couple of years in the corporate world, but decided to launch their own business to fulfill their lifelong dream of entrepreneurship–at a young age. Ann Arbor-based, TurtleCell, a mobile accessories company focused on the integration…

“Going through this season, with all the ups and downs and the amount of adversity we faced this year — that had something to do with the sigh of relief.” –Tigers second baseman, Ian Kinsler’s post-game comments, after the Tigers clinched the Central Division for the fourth consecutive year Sunday.. Well, that was exciting, wasn’t…

Young people are critical to Detroit’s revitalization. It’s a known fact this area has suffered from an” out-migration” and “brain drain” of young talent to other cities and regions across the country. However, that may be changing. According to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget and for 2010-2012 period, “The number of students…

Recently, I was at Eastern Market and noticed a cool storefront with a unique name and as we were walking around and got noticeably closer, I noticed 3Dogs1Cat 4 Detroit. No, there weren’t dogs and cats in front of or inside the store, but it’s the name of the business. Curious, I wandered in and…

Franchising is another path to business ownership. However, it’s not as simple as identifying a concept, opening the doors and then “…they will come…”. In fact, there are many challenges when it comes to becoming a franchisee. David Cesarini, Domino’s Pizza franchisee, owns four stores–three in Ann Arbor and one in E. Lansing– and is…

With Labor Day now history, the transition slowly taking place from Summer to Fall, we’re now headed into the last few months of this year. A time when businesses are beginning to plan and budget for 2015. And one of the challenges confronting businesses, irrespective of size, is identifying and hiring good talent. This is…