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Small Business Support

The Downtown Detroit Partnership offers a variety of resources for local small businesses, including events and listening sessions, which connect small businesses with each other.

At the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), we recognize the vital role small businesses play in creating a vibrant, innovative, and thriving community. Our mission is to drive economic and social impact in Downtown Detroit, and through the expansion of the DDP Small Business Program, we are committed to strengthening and growing the local small business ecosystem. The DDP Small Business team is here to support and champion small businesses every step of the way. Stay tuned for updates, resources, and opportunities to help your business thrive in Downtown Detroit!

Meet the Small Business Team

Connect With Us

Are you a part of the Downtown Detroit small business community? We are here for you! 

Reach out to the team by sending an email to [email protected].

Recent Small Business Blog Posts

Small Business Support

DDP Focused on Supporting Downtown Small Businesses

March 12, 2025

By Cari Easterday You’ve probably heard it a million times. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. But it’s not idle chatter; we have the data to support it.  . . .

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Downtown Stories

List: Women-Owned Businesses in Downtown Detroit

March 11, 2025

Women-Owned Business in Downtown Detroit The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) recognizes the incredible contributions of women-owned businesses to Downtown Detroit. This Women’s History Month—and every month—the DDP invites you to . . .

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Downtown Stories

List: Downtown Detroit Black-Owned Businesses

February 11, 2025

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) knows that Downtown Detroit is a rich, cultural hub that would not be the same without its Black-owned businesses. That’s why this Black History Month, . . .

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Chelsea Salame

Sr. Manager, Community Small Business Development

[email protected]

Kitty Whitfield

Manager, Small Business Engagement

[email protected]

Small Business Spotlights

Let The Spirit Card Guide You Around Downtown Detroit

The Spirit Card is a digital community gift card that was developed and managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. The program was created to support businesses in Downtown Detroit and . . .

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Small Business Spotlights

BIZ Small Business Spotlight – House of Pure Vin

BIZ Small Business Spotlight – House of Pure Vin Owner, Regina Gaines November 2023 BIZ Small Business Spotlight features Regina Gaines, owner of House of Pure Vin, which has been . . .

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Small Business Spotlights

Spectacles in Downtown Detroit, the Place to Be!

Zana Smith opened Spectacles in Downtown Detroit and believes this is just the beginning. She loves being Downtown because the community has so much to offer and it is the . . .

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Small Business Spotlights

BESA, Where Customers Come First

The word “Besa” is Albanian, which means “our guest before ourself.” Learn about this restaurant that provides a taste of the Adriatic Sea and how they aim to live up . . .

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Small Business Spotlights

100+ Years of Experience, Invaluable Advice

Hot Sam’s has been in business in Downtown Detroit for more than 100 years. Cliff Green and his business partner, Tony Stovall became owners of the staple men’s clothier in . . .

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Small Business Spotlights

Continuing the Legacy 

By Kitty Whitfield, Small Business Engagement Manager  The Atheneum Suite Hotel opened 30 years ago at a time when there was only two upscale hotels in Downtown Detroit. While the hotel . . .

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