Small Business Engagement and Support

The Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone offers a variety of resources for local businesses, including events like BIZ Connects and Business Roundtables. These events connect small businesses with each other and to the team's Small Business Engagement Manager, Kitty Whitfield.

The BIZ also offers a monthly newsletter that highlights the latest news and resources to benefit the Detroit business community.

BIZ Connect Key Resources

Grand Prix
A Grand Prix popup opportunity for small businesses.

  • Small Business Straightaway
    June 3 and 4 in Cadillac Square
    Accepting submissions through March 27
    Selections will be made by April 15
    Brick and mortar businesses only
    Business/neighborhood corridors may apply 
  • 100 “Embrace the Race” kits available (no deadline for submission)
    Corridor activations and single businesses
    Staff training and business coaching
  • Embrace the Race Year Around
    Event spaces, services, no deadline for submission
 
Detroit Fire Department
A way to support temporary activations and creative use of your business citywide.
  • 49 is the magic number – anything larger in your private event space, please call the Detroit Fire Department to ensure everything is permitted properly.
  • Click here for permit information
 
Visit Detroit
  • A variety of conventions and conferences bring with it opportunities to stimulate the local economy. Check the Visit Detroit website for updates. 
  • The BIZ covers Visit Detroit membership costs for all BIZ businesses. Please reach out to me, Kitty Whitfield, if you have any questions regarding this opportunity.
 
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
 
Downtown Detroit Parks
Become a vendor in the Parks: application home page
  • The Night Market at Beacon Park
  • Downtown Street Eats (Food Truck Program)
  • Market Fridays 
  • Perform in the Park
 
DDP and BIZ Safety
 

City of Detroit Homeland Security

Register to receive customized emergency alerts

  • Detroit Alerts 365 (CodeRED)
    Weather warnings/flooding; Mission persons; Evacuation notices; Boil water advisories; Safety advisories; and more!
  • Can send alerts based on location (geofencing); Multiple languages; Voice, text, email, social media, mobile app
  • Sign Up!
    – Website: detroitalerts365.org
    – Text DetroitAlerts365 to 99411

Small Business Engagement Manager

The small business engagement manager connects small businesses in Downtown Detroit with city departments and assists with customer service experiences. This helps to improve processes, facilitate communications, resolve problems, and provide essential information in a timely manner.

For assistance, please contact Small Business Engagement Manager Kitty Whitfield.

Kitty Whitfield

Small Business Resources

BIZ Resources

Membership

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a member-based nonprofit committed to creating a vibrant and world-class urban core in Downtown Detroit. As Downtown Detroit continues to expand its story, we invite you to become a member of the DDP.

Search downtowndetroit.org