Like many in Detroit, I was thrilled to see Whole Foods recently open in Midtown. It’s a shining example of the market potential for any number of service-providing businesses that can create jobs in Detroit and for Detroiters. Their commitment to carry several local products is certainly a boost to some area entrepreneurs working in the fast-growing food space, and the nearly 70 city residents hired (out of 97) -with more on the way – is not an insignificant boost for Detroiters themselves.
Lately there have been many announcements of good news in Downtown and Midtown, which – wearing my hat at New Economy Initiative (NEI) – I understand has benefits for all Detroiters and the region as a whole. While all that work is catalytic for Downtown and Midtown, I thought it was a great moment to either remind you, or let know for the first time, about the work some of the New Economy Initiative’s grantees are doing for small businesses and entrepreneurs in other areas of the city. There’s much more to be done of course, but we continue to commit ourselves to helping service organizations throughout the city provide access for as many Detroiters as possible and the growing entrepreneurial activity that is helping diversify our economy.