Help me moderate the next mayoral forum!
I'm calling on small business owners to share their experiences working with the city ahead of Wednesday's Small Business Matters conversation with Detroit mayoral candidates.
I’m moderating a conversation between Detroit mayoral candidates on Wednesday and want your help.
The virtual discussion on Wednesday, July 9 is being hosted by marketing firm The Lee Group and the Michigan Black Business Alliance. The event, from 6-7pm, is set to feature council president Mary Sheffield, councilman Fred Durhal III, businessmen Joel Haashiim and John Barlow, nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins, attorney Todd Perkins and activist DaNetta Simpson.
Former police chief James Craig and Triumph pastor Solomon Kinloch are also running. The primary election is Aug. 5.
Are you a Detroit business owner?
I’m interested in hearing about your interactions with the city currently interacting with the city to bring to candidates.
Are you burdened by license renewals or regulatory fees? Want to know if you’re eligible for Motor City Match or other capital grants?
Reply to this email or contact me directly at 989-488-0008 — I’ll bring your concern directly to candidates during the Small Business Matters forum.
Tomorrow’s discussion will focus on how the next administration can support small and mid-sized businesses and how entrepreneurs are shaping the future of the city.
Small business remains the most trusted institution in America, according to Gallup’s annual survey in 2024 that found 68% of Americans have a large amount of trust in their local mom and pop shops.
Currently, Mayor Mike Duggan is urging City Council to pass an ordinance to make it easier for small businesses to thrive.
Hassan Beydoun, group executive of economic development for the city and representatives from the mayor’s office spoke in favor of the proposal to extend the duration of business licenses from one to two years, among several other regulatory changes, Tuesday morning at City Council.
While the move would result in a negative fiscal impact due to a reduction of revenues for BSEED, supporters of the plan say the changes could usher in new businesses in commercial corridors that will generate additional revenues.
The forum Wednesday is hosted by the Detroit Society of Professional Journalists and the Michigan Black Business Alliance.
Moderators include myself, Mark Lee, the vice president of the Detroit SPJ chapter and president & CEO of the LEE Group and Charity Dean, the CEO of the Michigan Black Business Alliance.
You can watch here. The conversation is being broadcast live streamed on Detroit PBS.
The virtual conversation will include councilman Fred Durhal III, businessmen Joel Haashiim and John Barlow, nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins, attorney Todd Perkins and activist DaNetta Simpson.
Watch here: Small Business Matters: A conversation with Detroit mayoral candidates
Read my Detroit election 2025 reports on Michigan Chronicle:
Candidates take over Light Up Livernois
Durhal pitches ‘Property Equity Tax’ to take on Detroit speculators
Some UAW members break with leadership to support Mary Sheffield for Detroit mayor
Detroit mayoral candidates: Better jobs, public transportation will attract young talent
Detroit Elections Department begins mailing absentee ballots
Jenkins drops gloves, Craig times out: Takeaways from Detroit mayoral debate