COVID-19 has presented new challenges for small businesses in Detroit. The City of Detroit is partnering with Rebrand Cities and Quicken Loans Community Fund to get Detroit businesses online. Trained web designers will work with local business owners to build websites. Participating Businesses will receive a business website, free hosting for (3) Months, guided virtual website development Training, virtual office hours/study halls and more!
Mayor Mike Duggan and the City of Detroit has been working swiftly to identify impactful ways to provide support to small businesses that are experiencing a significant amount of economic challenges as a result of COVID-19 and the requirements of social distancing. The ‘Digital Detroit’ Virtual Website Accelerator was birthed in an effort to address the need for businesses to have the opportunity to continue operations virtually. “Many small businesses do not have the budget to invest in branding and website development, especially during this time when it is uncertain if they will be able to cover payroll and common business expenses. We are doing everything in our power to fill in the gaps for them.” Charity Dean, Director of the Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Department at the City of Detroit.
Rebrand Cities is a global civic initiative with an audacious goal to get 10,000 local businesses online. To date, there have been activations in 9 cities (Detroit, Chicago, Newark, Los Angeles, Mesa (AZ), Miami, Boston, Memphis and Port Au Prince) and 2 countries (U.S and Haiti).
Quicken Loans Community Fund has stepped in to partner with the City of Detroit on multiple COVID-19 response efforts for small businesses with programs like Feeding the Frontlines, an initiative that supports struggling restaurants and also sends meals to frontline workers.
“This investment will support Detroit-based businesses to both survive this pandemic and thrive in a world where virtual sales are increasingly important,” said Laura Grannemann, Vice President of the Quicken Loans Community Fund. “By building an online platform, our community can continue to support the brands we love, and Detroit’s entrepreneurs can showcase their product to the world.”
Businesses that will qualify for Digital Detroit must be located in the City of Detroit and established before December 31, 2019. Businesses must also show the need for support with website development.
100 businesses will have the opportunity to participate in a 5-week website accelerator
The program application launched today and applications close on Thursday, April 30, 2020
CLICK HERE to apply
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