On May 6th, hundreds of small business owners gathered in downtown Detroit for the annual Detroit Means Business Summit. The conference provided entrepreneurs with access to valuable resources that would help them grow and succeed in their ventures. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with leaders from various organizations, network, and find mentors.

Dr. Marlo Rencher, President of Detroit Means Business, highlighted the importance of small businesses in the city. He pointed out that they employ more than half of Detroit’s population and emphasized the need for these businesses to not only survive but also thrive in the city’s growing economy.

One of the highlights of the summit was the launch of Buktu, a new technology designed to help entrepreneurs navigate resources and information for small businesses. Additionally, Detroit Means Business announced the launch of Black Bottom Billions, a revenue-based game that promotes friendly competition among entrepreneurs while paying tribute to Detroit’s Historic Black Bottom business district.

Attendees like Jonathan Farley, owner of Access Point Towing and Transport, expressed their gratitude for the information and resources provided at the summit. Farley acknowledged that gaining knowledge was crucial for ensuring his business’ sustainability as he attended his first small business summit ever.

Overall, the Detroit Means Business Summit proved successful with several grants awarded to small businesses present at the event. The summit aimed to empower and support small business owners in Detroit as they continue to be an essential part of their city’s neighborhoods’ lifeblood.