News Summary
During an online forum, six candidates for Detroit’s mayor discussed their plans to support small and minority businesses. With a focus on addressing financial barriers, they proposed initiatives such as a $500 million fund, improvements to the Motor City Match program, and a Targeted Business Support Office. The candidates emphasized the importance of ensuring inclusivity in the business environment, especially with city contracts, while also expressing the need to collaborate with financial institutions to foster small business growth amid economic challenges.
Detroit – Six candidates running for the position of mayor in Detroit presented their plans to support small and minority businesses during an online forum held on Wednesday. The event, organized by the Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, aimed to engage the local business community, particularly in light of the recent Detroit City Council approval of regulatory changes meant to simplify the business licensing process.
The candidates who participated in the forum included former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins, Councilman Fred Durhal III, businessman Jonathan Barlow, Joel Haashiim, attorney Todd Perkins, and current City Council President Mary Sheffield. Though other notable candidates such as Solomon Kinloch, James Craig, and DaNetta Simpson were invited, they did not attend.
Jonathan Barlow proposed an ambitious plan featuring a $500 million fund dedicated to supporting small businesses. His initiative would provide low-interest loans and grants, financed through partnerships between public and private sectors. This proposal highlights the candidates’ dedication to addressing financial barriers faced by local enterprises.
Fred Durhal III elaborated on a procurement ordinance that was recently passed, aimed at leveling the playing field for small businesses vying for city contracts. He articulated a commitment to enhancing investments in the Motor City Match program, which aims to further assist small businesses seeking to thrive in the city.
Joel Haashiim underscored the need for small businesses to access significant city contracts and suggested the creation of a safeguard program to support the longevity of these enterprises. Saunteel Jenkins advocated for the development of joint ventures between smaller businesses and larger firms, aspiring to enhance capabilities and facilitate access to larger contracts.
Todd Perkins emphasized the importance of a “Detroit first mentality” in the city’s economic landscape, promoting the idea of providing mentoring and financial guidance for small businesses. Current City Council President Mary Sheffield put forth a proposal for a “Targeted Business Support Office”, designed to cater to diverse business needs and improve contracting opportunities for smaller enterprises.
The candidates also examined broader regulations surrounding cashless operations in local businesses, recognizing the potential implications for inclusivity, especially for individuals lacking banking access. Some candidates indicated a willingness to revisit or modify a recent ban on cashless businesses, aimed at ensuring all Detroit residents could participate in the local economy.
Detroit has received $826 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, and the candidates expressed a desire to leverage these federal funds for small business advocacy and support throughout their potential administration. They highlighted personal attachments to local businesses they frequent, such as restaurants, clothing stores, food co-ops, and cafes, showcasing a connection to the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.
While the forum provided insight into each candidate’s vision, it also became apparent that various challenges obstruct small business growth. Candidates acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding federal funding, emphasizing the urgency for businesses to prioritize self-sustainability while also adapting innovative methods to cultivate growth in the face of evolving economic conditions.
Furthermore, the discourse reflected the necessity for collaboration with financial institutions and the establishment of a dedicated funding line specifically for business support. The overarching goal of the forum was to explore numerous strategies geared towards ensuring the long-term prosperity of small businesses as integral components of Detroit’s economic infrastructure.
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Additional Resources
- Free Press: Top Takeaways from Detroit Mayoral Small Business Forum
- Detroit Chamber: Small Business Matters at Detroit Mayoral Forum
- Bridge Detroit: Detroit Election Tracker 2025
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Free Press: Detroit Mayor Candidates Forum on Small Businesses
- Google Search: Detroit Mayor Candidates 2025
- Bridge Detroit: Detroit Mayor Candidates Questions & Answers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
- Click on Detroit: Candidates on Housing, Public Safety & Education
- Google News: Detroit 2025 Mayoral Debate
