On December 11, a room full of small business owners gathered for the final session of Equity Alliance of Michigan’s 12-week Entrepreneur Boot Camp, each one taking meaningful steps toward launching or growing a sustainable venture here in Detroit. Over the past several months, participants have strengthened their business plans, deepened their financial knowledge and built the confidence needed to continue their entrepreneurial journey.

Founded to advance economic equity across Michigan, Equity Alliance of Michigan provides high-quality support to Black-owned, women-owned and small businesses in historically underserved communities. In 2024 alone, the organization served more than 700 entrepreneurs and helped secure more than $200,000 in grants for local business owners.

To help Equity Alliance of Michigan expand its work and reach even more entrepreneurs, Gilbert Family Foundation has committed $750,000 to support the organization’s Entrepreneurial Support Expansion initiative.

“Entrepreneurs are at the heart of Detroit’s economic strength, and ensuring they have access to the right resources is essential to creating opportunity that lasts,” said Linda Nosegbe, Director of Economic Mobility, Gilbert Family Foundation. “Our partnership with Equity Alliance of Michigan helps build a more inclusive ecosystem where small business owners can develop their ideas, grow their ventures and contribute to thriving neighborhoods across the city.”

Through this partnership, Equity Alliance of Michigan is scaling its impact by expanding its Entrepreneur Drop-In Program and creating a dedicated Entrepreneur Hub within its Resiliency Hub. This new 2,000-square-foot space will serve as a central resource for small business owners seeking mentorship, training, and access to capital.

The planned Hub will include:

  • A licensed commercial kitchen for food-based entrepreneurs
  • Co-working and meeting space
  • A resource room equipped with digital tools and technology
  • A full schedule of business development workshops
  • One-on-one mentorship opportunities
  • Expanded access to micro-grants and funding

By growing these supports, Equity Alliance of Michigan expects to more than double the number of entrepreneurs it serves, reaching 1,500+ annually, and help launch at least 50 new sustainable businesses each year.

“GFF’s support is a powerful affirmation of the work we are doing at Equity Alliance of Michigan, and we are truly grateful for their partnership,” said Dr. Deanna Stewart, Founder and Executive Director, Equity Alliance of Michigan. “Their investment strengthens our ability to uplift entrepreneurs, build community wealth and create accessible pathways for economic mobility. It affirms the value of the entrepreneurs we serve and empowers our community to build a stronger, more resilient future together.”

While Equity Alliance of Michigan’s programs offer robust training and hands-on guidance, they also create something just as meaningful: community. Entrepreneurs build supportive networks with peers, mentors and small business experts who continue to encourage and challenge them long after the boot camp wraps.

With the expansion of the Drop-In Program and the development of the new Entrepreneur Hub, Equity Alliance is poised to significantly increase its capacity to serve local business owners, particularly those growing along the Joe Louis Greenway.

Gilbert Family Foundation is proud to partner with Equity Alliance of Michigan in advancing economic mobility, strengthening neighborhoods and supporting the entrepreneurs who are shaping Detroit’s future.