I was at a restaurant recently where someone flatly stated, “It’s time for us to consider moving because this town is changing…” While attending a meeting in New York recently focused on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), John Quiñones, from ABC News, shared a heartfelt journey beginning with his early days in Texas radio to…
Getting a Fresh Start
After a 2 1/2 year stint as the president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), Rodrick Miller, recently launched an economic development consulting firm, Ascendant Global. The firm offers a range of economic development services with a mission to support cities and regions around the country and globe in being stronger and more sustainable. …
Attracting Venture Capital to Unlock Growth
Looking for investment capital to help your business achieve financial stability? What does it take to unlock growth? Are you prepared and what are investors looking for? As part of Crain’s Detroit Homecoming, these questions were discussed Friday morning at a session focused on unlocking growth and attracting capital among high-growth investors and minority…
Chasing a Dream and Winning $50k
Imagine coming to the United States from Burundi (E. Africa) as a refugee due to political violence in 2013. Your wife leaves to explore potential opportunities in a new country and hopefully, a new start. Shortly after her arrival, she finds refuge at the Freedom House in Detroit–a temporary home for those seeking relief from…
Don’t Forget the Motor City – Woodward Dream Cruise Thoughts
This past weekend marked the 23rd Woodward Dream Cruise. A weekend celebrating this region’s fascination with the automobile and reminding everyone the role Detroit had in putting the world on wheels. However, I kept asking myself one question: Why doesn’t the cruise extend down Woodward Avenue into the Motor City? Some reading this will ask,…
State of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Business
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are stated core beliefs many businesses value. Since it’s been fifty years since the Detroit ’67 riots, I started to reflect on the status of DEI across the region. While there were many ’67 discussions over the last several weeks and months regarding the potential root causes for the uprising,…
Building a Business Legacy
According to a SBA report, about two-thirds of small businesses (with employees) will survive two years. After five years, business survivability drops to nearly half. In Detroit, it seems new businesses are popping up weekly and the challenge centers around business growth and sustainability. Simply put, how does a new or existing business achieve longevity?…
A Detroit ’67 Perspective
“Don’t even think about leaving the front of this house…” As a youngster, my mom spoke those words to my brothers and me as a significant event in Detroit’s history was unfolding and in my opinion, forever changed the direction of this city. Detroit, July, 1967. Those words conjure up many memories for those who…
Downtown Detroit Business Progress & Challenges
With a resurgent downtown, investment opportunities and small business programs gaining more traction, Detroit is attracting start-ups locally, nationally and internationally. However, more established businesses, particularly those renting space, are feeling the pinch. According to the 2012 U.S. Census data, Detroit is home to more than 62,000 small businesses, making it the fourth-largest city in…
On the Road to Ecomomic Recovery
As the state’s largest and most recognizable city, Detroit generally garners the spotlight and receives the most attention for its turnaround efforts. However, another city making a move is Pontiac. This city of nearly 60,000, located in Oakland County,is long-known for being the home of various GM facilities and the former home for the Detroit…