Seventy new minority-owned businesses in Detroit’s neighborhoods generating $10 million a year into Southeast Michigan’s economy. That’s the goal of ProsperUS Detroit’s entrepreneurial training program, which is expanding into Grandmont Rosedale this spring.

ProsperUS Detroit is a place-based community development program that empowers local entrepreneurs, operating on the principle that every neighborhood has untapped talent and the potential to revitalize itself and its local economy. The program teams up with community organizations in targeted Detroit neighborhoods to host its training sessions. Over the course of the 12-week training program, students will develop a business plan, receive 10 hours of follow up one-on-one training, and upon graduation, become eligible to apply for loans and technical assistance. ProsperUS is distinct from other business training programs because of the value it places on culturally competent teaching and the specific needs of the community where it offers training.

By this February, ProsperUS Detroit will boast 120 training program graduates and expects 70 businesses to open with 300 employees as a result. The Grandmont Rosedale community was selected for participation because of the high potential to develop and support new small businesses and because of the presence of Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation as a strong community partner.

When evaluating GRDC as a potential partner, ProsperUS Detroit Program Manager Krista Contreras noted, “We were impressed by GRDC’s history of community engagement, the fact that their Board is solely comprised of community residents and with the numerous resources they have to reach out to their local community.  In addition, we were very impressed with the entrepreneurial supports that GRDC will be able to provide to entrepreneurs after they graduate from our program.”

To learn more about the ProsperUS classes beginning in Grandmont Rosedale this spring, interested entrepreneurs should attend an Informational Meeting on Tuesday, February 18th from 6-8 PM at the GRDC offices, 19800 Grand River. For more information, or to RSVP for the February 18th Informational Meeting, contact Kirsten Donoghue, kdonoghue@grandmontrosedale.com or 313-387-4732 ext. 120.

You may also visit the GRDC web site at www.grandmontrosedale.com or the ProsperUS Detroit web site at www.ProsperUSDetroit.org.

 


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