Lots has been written about the entrepreneurs in Detroit. Join us as we take a deep dive into the unique qualities that makes up the Detroit entrepreneur. We believe we may have also coined the term, "Detroitpreneur."

Bold

You will not meet a Detroitpreneur who is not bold. This is something they all innately have in common. From the Dan Gilberts to the Veronika Scotts to the Hajj Flemmings, none are reticent. They all know how to make a splash, an impact, and that's what makes them...

Relentless

Against all odds, Detroiters fight through countless obstacles to persist, build, and growth their ventures. Detroitpreneurs don't let snow, lack of technical talent, or a fully developed entrepreneurial ecosystem get in their way. This makes way for Detroitpreneur's next quality..

Resourceful

Detroitpreneurs utilize everyone and everything around them to achieve success. We have amazing community hubs offering resources such as TechTown, Bamboo Detroit, Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative, Built Institute, and others but without the techy comfort of a Silicon Valley or a VC playground of NYC, Detroitpreneurs have learned to capitalize on the resources available, trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents. This could not be possible without our next quality..

Collaborative

This goes for all Detroiters, really. We lean on each other in a way that is healthy and sustains our overall growth. Unlike other tech havens across the world, Detroit is non-competitive for the most part. We know that the further our neighbor goes, the further we all go. This need to support one another is born out of how Detroiters band together in the face of economic despair. We're always looking out for each other. With that, we know that Detroitpreneurs are also...

Brave

Detroit is not an easy place to live, let alone start a business. For years, Detroit was not a destination but entrepreneurs are doing their part to change that. An economically depressed area, Detroit has been known for it's shocking murder rates, barren food desert, and high unemployment. Because none of this phases the Detroitrpreneur, that's why they are...

Visionary

They see the value in Detroit that others don't - the rich entrepreneurial spirit, grit, and history. They recognize the affordable office space, talent, and ultimately, the fertile ground that acts as a playground for entrepreneurs. So much so, there is actually an organization called Playground Detroit. Because Detroitpreneurs have this vision to create a new Detroit that also brings back it's tradition of value creation, they really are...

Selfless

From organizations like Venture for America sending recent graduates to revitalize Detroit, to the Empowerment Plan, which hires homeless parents to sew jackets that convert into sleeping bags for the homeless, Detroit is sure to amaze with selflessness at every corner. The selfless nature of entrepreneurial ventures and their missions stems from the basic struggles that everyday Detroiters face. Businesses don't come here to make a whole bunch of money and leave. They come here to build something of meaning and impact. That's why the are...

Evangelists

The early adopters. Detroitpreneurs whether from Detroit or from elsewhere, want to be in Detroit. They see the opportunity, they are daring enough to take the plunge, and they see the possibility that's ahead for Detroit. Nima Adelhkani, Chief Innovation Evangelist came to Detroit in recent months to lead a transportation challenge. Detroit screams "opportunity" but the evangelists do something about it.

Social Responsibility

From struggle and toil come incredible solutions that respond to societal problems. Restaurants and serving their food farm to table. Co-working spaces emphasize diversity. Social responsibility is at the core of many businesses values. With social responsibility comes a..

Sense of Urgency

Have some qualities of your own? Use the comment section below!