In 2008, I started my consulting business and relied heavily on traditional business tools and communications. A more formalized approach to conduct and communicate my business services to clients and prospective business partners was implemented. In fact, social media was not on my radar and therefore, was not part of my business model. Why? Social…

Technology continues to change business delivery models and has enabled businesses to connect with customers in innovative ways. It’s an enabler which, if used strategically, can catapult a business to an entirely new level by helping to manage back office operations more efficiently, creating a whole new line of business enabled by technology and could…

There’s been much discussion about Detroit’s recent population trends, including slowing population declines and conversely, people moving back into the city–specifically, downtown, Midtown, East Village and other parts of the city. Many are millennials, empty nesters and others coming from across the country to be a part of Detroit’s revitalization efforts. In fact, in many…

Detroit continues to be under the spotlight regarding economic and investment opportunities. From investments in entrepreneurial programs to the recent Flex-n-Gate announcement on the city’s east side, economic development opportunities continue to have a major role in stimulating Detroit’s revitalization efforts. However, if the city is to experience a total renaissance and continue to strive…

As a teenager living in northwest Detroit in the early ’70s, I would sit by the radio and listen to round-by-round updates of another fight. Not just another fight, but a Muhammad Ali fight. Whether it was against George Foreman, Joe Frazier or whomever, when Ali fought, people would listen to the radio for updates….

Detroit’s neighborhoods. They conjure up many images. From historical, stable neighborhoods with beautiful homes and rich legacies to those which have fallen into disrepair confronting challenges such as abandonment and blight. While many of the headlines come from significant investments involving downtown and Midtown redevelopment efforts, neighborhoods clearly need the same level of attention and…

Two years ago, JPMorgan Chase made a $100 million, five-year commitment to Detroit’s economic recovery. Additionally, it recently announced the company is expanding its efforts as part of its $100 million to create economic growth through small business expansion, community development, neighborhood stabilization and workforce training. “Detroit is Exhibit A of what can be accomplished…

I have been fortunate to be involved with several programs over the last few weeks focusing on entrepreneurship and small business development across Detroit. Whether speaking to business leaders or hosting events, one thing’s becoming clear, there’s no time like right now to start a business here. Detroit is quickly emerging as a leader nationally…

This week is National Small Business Week and May is Small Business Month. In Detroit, entrepreneurship and small business development continue to have a vital role in the city’s revitalization efforts. With new businesses opening regularly, this region continues to be under the spotlight and an emerging leader in entrepreneurship nationally. There are many organizations…

District Detroit will cover fifty (50) blocks and have various destinations, parks, restaurants, residential and the new Red Wings arena, which is slated to open in the Fall, 2017. According to its website, District Detroit will connect the Midtown and Downtown areas where residents and visitors can enjoy city life, entertainment, the residential experience and…