Small businesses across Detroit are gearing up for an event that has become a cornerstone in the entrepreneurial community. The LEE Group is hosting its 11th Annual Small Business Workshop on May 14, 2025, at The Corner Ballpark – Detroit PAL HQ. This event, known for equipping local businesses with practical tools for success, continues to offer strategies to help entrepreneurs navigate an unpredictable economy. The theme, “Thriving Through Uncertainty: Strategies for Resilience,” speaks directly to the realities that many business owners face today.
Mark S. Lee, the founder of The LEE Group, understands the weight small business owners carry when economic conditions shift. “There are many reasons to celebrate small businesses as we enter the eleventh year of this workshop,” he said. “Our goal is to provide valuable resources and discussions that will help entrepreneurs and business owners navigate uncertainty with confidence.”
Small businesses drive local economies, but the road to sustainability is not easy. Rising costs, changes in policy under a new administration, technological advancements, and a tight labor market create challenges that demand adaptability. The Small Business Workshop is designed to help entrepreneurs meet these challenges with clear strategies and tangible resources. Over the past decade, more than 1,000 businesses have benefited from this initiative, making it a staple in Detroit’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Workshops, panel discussions, and fireside chats will cover key topics, each aimed at helping businesses weather uncertainty while positioning themselves for growth. Experts in the field will break down financial agility, cybersecurity, mental health in entrepreneurship, and workforce management.
Cash flow is often the breaking point for small businesses. Financial agility will be a central focus, covering funding options and strategies to strengthen economic resilience. Managing finances is an ongoing struggle, especially as interest rates fluctuate and access to capital remains limited for many Black-owned businesses. This discussion will provide business owners with actionable steps to maintain stability and ensure long-term financial health.
Cybersecurity is an increasing concern. The digital age has made business operations more efficient, but it has also introduced significant threats. CyberShield, an interactive workshop, will address how businesses can safeguard sensitive data, protect customer information, and avoid cyberattacks that can cause irreversible damage. As small businesses grow their digital footprint, understanding cybersecurity practices becomes a necessity. Cyber threats continue to evolve, and entrepreneurs need proactive measures to prevent financial losses and breaches that could compromise their operations.
Entrepreneurs often carry an enormous burden, balancing financial pressures, employee management, and customer demands. Mind Over Business will emphasize the importance of mental health. Running a business is not just about profits; it requires mental resilience to navigate challenges without burnout. Experts will discuss strategies to maintain well-being, manage stress, and establish boundaries that foster sustainability in the long run. Entrepreneurs often operate in high-stress environments where decision-making is constant. Learning how to manage this pressure can mean the difference between longevity and burnout.
Hiring and retention continue to be pain points for businesses. Workforce Management will highlight best practices for building a reliable team. Business owners will explore strategies for hiring, retention, and adapting to trends such as remote work. The labor market remains tight, and keeping skilled employees engaged requires more than just competitive wages. This discussion will explore ways to foster a work environment that attracts and retains talent. Retaining a qualified workforce is crucial for businesses aiming to grow. With economic shifts influencing employment trends, businesses must find creative ways to remain competitive.
The fireside chat, “The Resilient Entrepreneur – Thriving Through Uncertainty,” will highlight real-life stories of business owners who have faced setbacks and found ways to recover. Learning from those who have navigated economic downturns, industry disruptions, and unforeseen circumstances can offer valuable insights. These conversations will provide perspective on how to remain adaptable in an evolving business environment. Entrepreneurs will hear firsthand experiences of overcoming adversity and the lessons learned in the process.
Keynote speakers and economic experts will also take the stage to discuss what 2025 might hold for small businesses. The economic forecast will examine how inflation, government policies, and market trends could impact business operations. Business owners will walk away with a clearer understanding of what to expect and how to plan accordingly. The business landscape changes rapidly, and having insight into upcoming shifts can be the key to remaining ahead of challenges.
Detroit’s small business community has relied on this workshop for over a decade. The LEE Group has consistently delivered a platform that addresses the specific needs of entrepreneurs, ensuring that small businesses remain resilient despite economic fluctuations. This year’s theme underscores the reality that uncertainty is inevitable, but preparation and adaptability can determine how businesses survive and thrive. Entrepreneurs must continue to refine their strategies, utilizing every available resource to stay competitive in an unpredictable marketplace.
Attendees will have opportunities to network with industry leaders, potential investors, and fellow business owners. Conversations held during the event often lead to valuable partnerships and mentorships that extend beyond the workshop itself. The exchange of ideas, strategies, and experiences is crucial for building a strong small business community that supports each other through economic highs and lows.
Workshops like this provide a structured environment where businesses can address challenges head-on. The discussions are not theoretical; they are designed with practical implementation in mind. Business owners will leave the workshop with strategies they can apply immediately, whether it’s securing funding, strengthening digital security, improving employee retention, or managing stress in high-pressure environments. Having access to these resources in a free and open format ensures that businesses of all sizes, regardless of financial standing, can benefit from expert insights.
For small business owners, this workshop is more than a networking opportunity. It is a space for learning, strategizing, and finding solutions that can be implemented immediately. The event remains free to attend, ensuring that accessibility is not a barrier for those looking to gain crucial insights. With registration already gaining momentum and sponsors aligning with the vision, the 2025 workshop is expected to draw an even larger audience than last year’s record-breaking turnout.
As the business climate continues to shift, resources like The LEE Group’s Small Business Workshop remain essential. Entrepreneurs face constant changes, and having access to industry leaders, financial experts, and practical strategies makes a difference. The goal is not only to survive uncertainty but to emerge stronger, better equipped, and ready to take on whatever comes next. Resilience is not just a concept; it is a necessity, and this workshop provides the tools to build it. Detroit’s small business owners understand that preparation, adaptability, and strategic decision-making are the keys to longevity in an unpredictable economy. The LEE Group is providing a roadmap for sustainable business growth in a world where uncertainty is the only constant.
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