detroit – The halls of the Cambria Hotel downtown were crowded. detroit Hundreds of small business owners gathered for the Detroit Means Business Summit.
The annual conference, held on Monday (May 6), will give entrepreneurs access to a variety of resources to help them navigate and improve their business platforms.
“This is the place to be,” says Robin Childers, co-founder and president of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness. “I think people want to know what’s going on in Detroit. There’s so much growth, revitalization and expansion.”
Organizers say the Detroit Means Business Summit will help small business owners connect directly with leaders in a variety of organizational resources. Entrepreneurs can also network and find mentors.
“Nine out of 10 companies in the city of Detroit have no idea how many free, low-cost, no-cost resources are available in the city,” said Dr. Marlo Rencher, president of Detroit Means Business.
The group said data shows small businesses employ more than half of Detroit’s population. As such, conference organizers want to ensure these businesses can survive and thrive.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities,” Rencher said. “These are the people who employ your uncle, nephew, etc., so it’s important for us to maintain balance.”
During the summit, Detroit Means Business announced a new technology for small businesses called Buktu. It is an app powered by AI technology that allows entrepreneurs to easily navigate resources and information for small businesses.
The organization also announced the launch of Black Bottom Billions, a revenue-based game that provides friendly competition between entrepreneurs. Its name pays homage to Detroit’s historic Black Bottom business district.
“My biggest hope is to have the information I need to stay in business for the long term,” said Jonathan Farley, owner of Access Point Towing and Transport.
It was Farley’s first time attending such a small business summit.
“I’ve had a little bit of success in business, so now I’m here and I’m able to get the information I need to make my business more sustainable,” Farley said.
Several grants were awarded to small businesses that attended the conference.
For more information about Detroit Means Business, click here.
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