Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

It was a great day to cut the ribbon with The Salon Professional School of Cosmetology founder and instructor Kanika Free, who has become the 175th Motor City Match business to open in Detroit and while celebrating her birthday! 🎉 According to Free, The Salon Professional School of Cosmetology came out of a need she discovered after becoming a licensed hairstylist some 13 years ago.  Free has a background in education and social work, but discovered that her passions could be combined in a way to help Detroiters gain a quality cosmetology education and be better prepared to take their state board after graduation. While The Salon Professional School of Cosmetology originally started in Southfield,  the Pershing High School graduate knew her goal was to move her business to Detroit. “It’s a dream come true. I love Detroit – when we opened in Southfield I was just itching to get back to Detroit. Detroit has a special resilience, and once we say we’re going to do something we really grind it out and do it," said Free. Located at 11019 Whittier, The Salon Professional School of Cosmetology was awarded a $55,000 grant from Motor City Match in Round 24 that helped with the cost of building out the space. “What Kanika has built here is exactly what we love to see in Detroit,” said Mayor Duggan. “She spotted a gap in cosmetology education, stepped up to fill it and now she’s helping Detroiters launch new careers. The Salon Professional School of Cosmetology is our 175th Motor City Match success story, and it’s a great example of how we’re growing opportunities in our neighborhoods.” Congratulations and happy birthday Kanika! 🎂🎊 Read more at degc.org/newsroom 💻

Need a website, mobile app, or digital operational tools for your business? Our Small Biz Boost has you covered, funding 40% of the cost. There are 13 website spots, 4 app spots, and 25 digital support spots open for Detroit businesses. Head to over to https://lnkd.in/eTN4axwU and apply today! #DetroitSmallBusinesses #DetroitMeansBusiness #DEGC #DetroitEntrepreneurs #SmallBizBoost

📊💡 Visualizing Detroit 2024 is shaping up to be an inspiring event, where data and creativity come together to tell the stories of Detroit’s past, present, and future. This event will feature innovative art pieces and interactive displays that use data to show Detroit’s progress across housing, economy, and more. It’s a must-see for anyone passionate about Detroit’s growth! The submission deadline is November 8, 2024. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ge7DUpNp

The Small Biz Boost is here to fund your business’s digital future. We’re covering 40% of the costs for website development (13 slots), mobile app projects (4 slots), and digital operational support (25 slots). Secure your place before funds run out! Get more details about the program and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eTN4axwU

In Southwest Detroit, language and accessibility can be significant barriers to healthcare. Family Nurse Practitioner Scarlett Idema, our 168th Motor City Match grantee, is tackling this head-on with Medicina Scarlett—a clinic that caters to Spanish-speaking residents and provides essential services right in the heart of the community. Through the support of the Motor City Match program, Scarlett has transformed an empty building into a hub of care and hope. Read more on her journey to redefine healthcare access in Detroit: https://lnkd.in/eUKCHv9P #HealthcareInnovation #DEGC #MotorCityMatch

Interested in developing commercial or commercial residential property in your Detroit neighborhood? Are you a resident of the city and want a better understanding of how tax incentives work and impact you? You’ll want to make sure you are at our Tax Incentives Educational Series in District 3 with Council Member @VoteScottBenson on Wednesday, Oct. 16. This is your chance to learn about the tools and resources that are available to help get your project off the ground. The in-person session will begin at 5:30 PM at the Farwell Recreation Center Register at https://lnkd.in/e4sAQANx

Are you a jack of all trades? Buyers made it clear a few weeks ago at the BuyDetroit Procurement Readiness Forum that they’re looking for masters of their craft. Valencia Stoudamire, VP of Supplier Diversity at Henry Ford Health, dropped gems on why focusing on your expertise is key. If you're ready to find new opportunities, head over to degc.org/buydetroit and get connected. BuyDetroit is the go-to platform for buyers, suppliers, and contractors to post and apply for opportunities. #BuyDetroit #DEGC #DetroitSmallBusinesses #DetroitEntrepreneurs

Are you attending The Battery Show at Huntington Place from October 7-10? Our Business Development team will be there! Detroit is a premier hub for mobility, tech, advanced manufacturing, and office site solutions. Jacqueline Young, Sr. Director of Business Development, is eager to assist your business in establishing a presence in the Motor City. Jacqueline is available for meetings from October 7-9. Reach out to her at jyoung@degc.org to schedule a time to connect during the conference. #TheBatteryShow #EVInnovation #BatteryTech #CleanEnergy #Detroit #DetroitBusiness #BusinessDevelopment

Mixing and Mingling in the districts 🥂🤝 Did you make it to the last Mix & Mingle with Your DBL event in District 5? An excellent time was had by all! This event series offers small business owners the opportunity to connect with their District Business Liaisons and local resource partners. It's a great chance to network, exchange ideas, and access valuable resources to support the local entrepreneurial and small business community. Yes, you definitely want to be in the room for these! More Mix & Mingle's will be coming, so be sure you're following our social media pages for upcoming announcements 😎

The learning never stops! 💪 Join us and special guest District 6 Council Member @gabysantiagoromero tonight (10/2) for an online educational presentation on tax incentives and other development resources and tools utilized in Detroit. 📍Wednesday, Oct. 2 📍6 PM Tune in via Zoom at bit.ly/gsr-monthly 💻