A group of entrepreneurs gathered Nov. 12 at Wayne State’s Spencer Partrich Auditorium to share perspectives on progressing Detroit’s economic and business interests.
Murray Feldman, of WWJ Newsradio 950 and Fox 2’s business editor, moderated the panel titled “Moving the D Forward.” The majority of panelists said they saw something quite different in Detroit than the common perception.
Despite the adverse economic climate, business owners explained their decisions to invest in the city. Rami Jandali, COO of Global Impact Solutions, LLC, said he brought his dentistry business to Detroit from Boston because “there is lots of talent to be utilized.”
Jeff Helminski, who founded a real estate development firm, said he left the auto industry and came back to Detroit to because of its “competitive advantage.”
Lauren Thomas, owner of Ladels Children’s Book Boutique, credited her business’ success “to the fact that we really offer something unique to the city of Detroit.”
Feldman and the panelists agreed that local programs to train future business leaders of the city are a necessity. One example was Fusion, a group of young professionals.
Christianne Sims, Fusion director, said the group “facilitates networking and makes both parties aware of the other.” Panelists also commended programs that cultivate leadership skills, like the Detroit Black Expo boot camp.
Some small business owners came seeking advice and were prepared with questions. Jeanette Avila, owner of El Rancho Restaurant, is considering the next step for her business: expansion. Avila said she is interested in what interim Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. will implement as far as small business incentives and whether his initiatives will benefit her plan.
Audience members also wanted to know how grassroots projects could obtain funding. The resounding answer was to develop a good relationship with their bank, as well as collaborating with organizations that have similar business interests.
Event director Victor Green acknowledged the event’s success and looked forward to continuing the series. “We are continually looking at better ways in which we can provide more resources for those who are looking for entrepreneurship not only from Detroit but from other regions,” he said.
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