TThe city is looking to distribute $3 million from its Small Business Detroit Microloan Program (from casino money) as part of its Entrepreneur's Roundtable II: Retail Industry. City officials will help prospective retailers fill out applications for loans to help them start the business of their dreams at the event on Thursday.
The city has given out more than 24 of these loans since 2006. That means $600,000 has been spent to help start more businesses in the city.
The event will also feature a speakers' panel with retail veterans. They include Rufus Bartell of Simply Casual, Larry Alebiosu of Fashion International, C. Grantston Bullard of CGB (a manufacturing and design company), Audie Simpson of 5,000 Shoes and More and Mamie Smith of the Rio Boutique.
The roundtable will be held at the Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Road. For information, contact the Small Business Detroit Microloan Office at (313) 255-1020.
Source: City of Detroit
Writer: Jon Zemke