Small Business Resources

We are living in unprecedented times where the new normal now includes social distancing, staying and working from home. These headwinds have changed all aspects of our lives, and we are still adjusting to the new normal. Small businesses are no different, and the cataclysmic changes we’re still working through threaten to change their landscape…

Civility in Business & Politics

We are living in unprecedented times where the divide widens, lack of civility threatens relationships and the ability to make thoughtful decisions based on facts is increasing. As evidenced by the recent impeachment proceedings and the State of the State address, the political divide runs deep along partisan lines and threatens the very premise on…

CBD Ads Go Mainstream, Propelling Small Business Growth

A rising number of Detroiters may be trying something new this holiday thanks to growing acceptance of CBD among consumers and advertisers alike. And that’s a good thing for the local economy and many small businesses fueling CBD growth. The market for CBD products has exploded in recent years and is expected to exceed $24…

Is Detroit a Good Place for Business?

According to the 2012 U.S. Census data, the City of Detroit is home to more than 62,000 small businesses.  It seems there’s a new business opening on a regular basis across the region and the momentum appears to be emerging. And as I’ve thought about the entrepreneurial and business ecosystem here, a couple of questions…

Why Not Detroit?

“Go west, young man!” “There’s gold in those hills.” These catch phrases date back to the “gold rush” days and capture reasons for why moved West–to strike it rich. It also captures the recent allure of the tech industry and San Francisco.  Yes, the tech industry and Silicon Valley have attracted many from all over…

Supporting Detroit’s “Avenue of Fashion”

Detroit’s legendary “Avenue of Fashion”, Livernois, is undergoing a makeover. The stretch between seven and eight mile is home to a diverse mix of residents and businesses.  It’s not far from some of the city’s most-renowned neighborhoods and, on any given day or evening, you will see a cross-section of people enjoying the sites and…

Detroit Has Talent

“I put my hand on my heart, that means I feel ya. Real recognize real and you lookin familiar.” All Around the World  – JAY Z 2002 There has been much discussion about “Two Detroits”.  I’ve even written about a variation of it in this space. However, there’s been another online discussion that’s been percolating recently….

Navigating Potential Headwinds to Achieve Growth

Carrie Charlick is a wife, mother of 3 and a business owner.  She started her entrepreneurial journey at a young age and those early experiences helped shape her longer-term business philosophy, helping others through entrepreneurship.  In 2003, the stay-at-home Michigan mom launched Commerce-based Essential Bodywear with an initial investment of $500.  She is now a savvy entrepreneur with…

Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs: How to Navigate the Headwinds of Change

By Mark S. Lee and David Girodat Small businesses are a massive source of employment.  The Small Business Administration (SBA) reports that smaller companies employ 47.5 percent of the private U.S. workforce.  According to 2012 U.S. Census figures, there are nearly 62,000 small businesses in Detroit and about 152,000 across Michigan. Entrepreneurship helps build the…

Entrepreneurship’s Impact on Economic Development

There’s continued momentum in Detroit’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem and there are many perspectives on what it means to the city’s revitalization efforts, including economic development and job creation.  To this end, I wanted to gain insights from a business executive who has family roots grounded in Detroit’s entrepreneurial community. David Girodat has a long history…