The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mikki Godfrey as the new director of its BuyDetroit initiative. BuyDetroit is dedicated to assisting Detroit-based entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses, and with Godfrey at the helm, the program is expected to make significant strides forward. With her extensive background in supporting small businesses, Godfrey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, positioning BuyDetroit for success.
This is not Godfrey’s first time working with the DEGC. She previously served as a district business liaison, where she demonstrated her skill in guiding Detroit small business owners through challenges and fostering connections with essential business support organizations within the city. Now, as the director of BuyDetroit, Godfrey will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance the organization’s procurement programs.
One of Godfrey’s key responsibilities will be to forge strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, both at local and national levels. By cultivating relationships with companies in Detroit and beyond, she aims to expand access to procurement contracts for Detroit entrepreneurs, providing them with valuable opportunities for growth and expansion.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Godfrey stated, “I am thrilled to return to DEGC as BuyDetroit’s new program director and contribute to the transformational work being done here. Detroit has a wealth of entrepreneurial talent, and I am committed to expanding their access to procurement opportunities. We will drive meaningful change in Detroit’s business landscape by facilitating collaborations, fostering innovation, and championing economic development.”
Godfrey’s experience and expertise in both business and entrepreneurship make her a valuable asset to the DEGC. Prior to her appointment, she served as the manager of the Our Strong Start and One Stop Shop childcare programs, led by the State of Michigan. In this capacity, she successfully supported over 1,000 childcare businesses in opening and expanding, demonstrating her dedication to economic empowerment and community development.
Sean Gray, the vice president of Small Business Services at the DEGC, expressed his confidence in Godfrey’s ability to drive positive change, saying, “With a strong commitment to economic empowerment and community development, Mikki is poised to drive positive change and unlock opportunities for Detroit entrepreneurs in the realm of procurement. Her strategic vision and ability to mobilize resources will enable BuyDetroit to catalyze economic growth, job creation, and prosperity in Detroit.”
Godfrey holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration and Human Resources from the University of Phoenix. As a Detroit native and graduate of Cass Technical High School, she has a deep understanding of the city and its unique entrepreneurial landscape, further enhancing her ability to lead BuyDetroit effectively.
Under Godfrey’s leadership, the BuyDetroit initiative is expected to flourish, providing Detroit-based entrepreneurs with the support they need to thrive. With her strategic approach and dedication to economic development, the DEGC and BuyDetroit are well-positioned to make a significant impact on Detroit’s business landscape, fostering innovation, creating job opportunities, and driving prosperity throughout the city.
