“How’s Detroit doing?” “Is it ever going to come back?” “It’s a shame what’s happened to it?” I travel frequently and these are the types of questions and/comments I hear frequently – particularly when people find out I’m from Detroit. The three quotes referenced were shared with me over the last 10 days. It’s almost…
Q&A with EMU’s Michael Tidwell: Entrepreneurship, small business and education
Many entrepreneurs don’t realize the many resources focused on small business development—at their fingertips. Metro Detroit has many local colleges and universities which provide resources for you as you think about starting or growing a business. Michael Tidwell, dean of the College of Business, Eastern Michigan University, is relatively new to EMU. He’s been at EMU…
Yolander Walker talks about starting a business, giving back to community
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Detroit-area has the fourth-most black-owned businesses in the country — following New York, Chicago and Houston, respectively. There are a total of just fewer than 2 million black-owned businesses across the country. This represents a 60 percent increase over the past five years.The three leading sectors are retail, health…
A look at the impact health reform will have on small businesses
The Detroit Regional Chamber recently announced a Health Care Reform website for employers. To this end, I’ve been asked several times this question: What impact will the Affordable Patient Health Care Act (APHCA), aka, Health Care Reform, have on my (small) business? Let’s try to help you out. A brief reminder, beginning January 1, 2014,…
Now’s the time to come together for Detroit
Last week was a busy week for Detroit. There’s no reason to rehash it, but would like to share some thoughts on where we go from here. Normally, this column focuses on small business development and its role in Detroit’s revitalization. However, after seeing the recent dynamics, I believe it’s time for this region to…
Have you done a business assessment lately?
It’s March (Madness) and I’m wondering, have you had your assessment? Not your personal health assessment — although, I encourage you to do so — but your business assessment? You’re probably asking: What’s he talking about? Let me explain. Just like you’re encouraged to get an annual checkup to ensure your physical and well being…
Detroit must rebrand itself, but do so while retaining its legacy
With the recent announcement by Gov. Rick Snyder that an emergency financial manager (EFM) will be assigned to the city of Detroit, the challenge becomes how does the anchor city of this region brand itself in light of its current financial situation? The issues confronting our region are well documented. Let’s not hide the fact…
A perspective on Detroit, from a once Detroiter, now Chicagoan
Much has been made about Detroit’s past and its current transformation — a city striving to diversify and redefine itself. Transformation is difficult, particularly when your foundation has been somewhat shaken. Detroit’s core, the automotive industry, has been shaken, but not broken. However, as Detroit continues its transformation, economic development is critical to longer term…