Detroit City Wire

Business leaders and policymakers gathered at the Detroit Regional Chamber in September 2025 to discuss ways to support small businesses. The event focused on the challenges faced by local business owners and highlighted resources available through organizations such as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Detroit’s Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED).

Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President for Small Business and Talent at MEDC, identified access to capital as a major concern among entrepreneurs. She outlined several programs designed to address this issue, including the State’s Small Business Credit Initiative and the Michigan Innovation Fund. Rencher emphasized that collaboration among partners is crucial for economic growth in Michigan.

“We have a standing network of hundreds of partners, and we really added on to that in the past couple of years through the [small business] support hubs work,” she said, noting that there are 27 across the state. Through what is dubbed the “hub and spoke” model, their network of partners ensures that both rural and urban communities are not left excluded.

“We have a very strong network of partners for entrepreneurs and innovation in the state,” Rencher said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to achieve greater impact.

Rencher also introduced PitchMI, a series of regional pitch competitions supporting early-stage tech and high-growth companies throughout Michigan. The competitions will award $250,000 in prizes regionally with a grand prize of $1 million set for April 2026.

State Representative Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Twp.), Chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee, addressed regulatory barriers facing small businesses. Drawing from his own experience as a small business owner, Aragona said:

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy,” he said, adding, “Whatever we need to do is just get regulations out of businesses’ way.”

He described how inconsistent regulations across municipalities can complicate operations for businesses seeking to expand or develop housing projects within Michigan.

“It’s amazing the different hoops you have to jump through. There’s one set of hoops through this municipality, one set of hoops through another, and they’re all completely different. And you’re building the exact same house,” he said.

Arthur Rushin, Chief Enforcement Officer at BSEED for Detroit, explained improvements made by his department in licensing and compliance processes for small businesses. He highlighted tools like the Development Resource Center’s online zoning portal which allows business owners to check property eligibility instantly.

“We are a resource,” Rushin said. “No project is too small. That’s one of the things we want to make sure we stress to the public… reach out to us first, and we are literally going to walk you through the process of how to get your business started, so that way you can avoid some of the pitfalls.”

Rushin encouraged prospective business owners in Detroit to contact BSEED early in their planning process for guidance such as free preliminary plan reviews.

“You come to us and say ‘This is what I want to do; I have part of the plan,’ and we will work with you,” he said. “The department partners with agencies like the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and participates in compliance clinics across the city to help owners get into compliance [and] stay in compliance.”

Speakers agreed that ongoing dialogue between entrepreneurs, advocates, and policymakers remains important for fostering an environment where small businesses can succeed in Detroit.