Want to open a restaurant in the D? CEED hosts event Sep. 10 just for you

After getting lots of requests for funding from would-be food-industry entrepreneurs, CEED (Center for Empowerment and Economic Development) decided to host a round table forum to encourage the development of realistic business plans. The event is set for 9 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Northwest Activities Center.

"It came about from us starting to see a lot of applications from people that want to open a restaurant in the city -- which is great," says Robin Duncan, CEED's business development manager. "But a lot of them were just not prepared, not at the stage where they should be asking for financing. We want to make sure they are sustainable."

There will be presentations from the Small Business Detroit Microloan Program, the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, the Small Business Administration, and the city's Department of Health and Wellness. "They're going to talk about some of the resources with regard to putting together a business plan, doing financial statements...the nuts and bolts of restaurant ownership," says Duncan.

There also will be examples restaurant success stories and details on important code requirements.  "We want people to walk away with next steps," says Duncan.

CEED's goal is to offer similar events for different industries -- such as retail, service and construction -- a few times a year.

To register, call 313-255-1020. The Northwest Activities Center is located at 18100 Meyers Rd.

Source: Robin Duncan, CEED
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh