Small Businesses are the Heartbeat of our City

The Downtown Detroit Partnership Small Business Support Team offers a variety of resources for local small businesses, including newsletters, events, and listening sessions to share time-sensitive information and connect small businesses with each other. 

Strengthening the Heartbeat of Our City

The DDP recognizes the vital role of small businesses in employing Detroiters and creating a vibrant, innovative, and thriving community. We are committed to strengthening and growing this ecosystem through targeted customer-attracting campaigns, informational newsletters for owners and managers, and technical assistance and support.

If you are or know a Downtown business owner who is looking for support and wants to engage with DDP, please send us an email.

Snapshot of key small business support efforts. 

This creative, cross-platform program drives traffic, sparks discovery, and highlights what makes Downtown Detroit shine. Using creative and engaging marketing and promotions, we aim to inspire everyone to Shop, Dine, and Discover Downtown Detroit.

DDP leads this community e-gift card program designed to support all Detroit businesses. Buying a Detroit Card makes a meaningful investment in the city's restaurants and retailers. Learn more about the 149+ businesses involved.

Launched in 2026, the Downtown Detroit Pride Pass was designed to support LGBTQ+ and ally-owned businesses. The pass encouraged residents and visitors to explore Downtown through exclusive offers at participating business.

At the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), we recognize the vital role small businesses play in creating a vibrant, innovative, and thriving community. Our mission is to drive economic and social impact in Downtown Detroit, and through the expansion of the DDP Small Business Program, we are committed to strengthening and growing the local small business ecosystem. The DDP Small Business team is here to support and champion small businesses every step of the way. Stay tuned for updates, resources, and opportunities to help your business thrive in Downtown Detroit!

Celebrate Pride by Supporting Businesses

Five out of many LGBTQ+/ally-owned businesses are participating in a unique Downtown Pride Pass, for two days only (June 6 and June 7). Click below to get the details and happy exploring! 

Celebrate Pride by Supporting Businesses

Five out of many LGBTQ+/ally-owned businesses are participating in a unique Downtown Pride Pass, for two days only (June 6 and June 7). Click below to get the details and happy exploring! 

Support and Shop Small This Holiday!

We’ve been working on something uniquely Detroit for the holiday season to support Downtown business owners. 25 Days of December kicks off Saturday, Nov. 29 and runs through Tuesday, Dec. 23, to encourage patrons to shop local. Thank you to all the local shops, restaurants, and cafés who agreed to participate. We look forward to seeing this campaign come to life and bring traffic to Downtown Detroit! 

Keep reading to learn about the unique Downtown Adventure Card and the weekly Character Hunt contest.

Your Chance to Win!

Enter for a chance to win one of three grand prizes through the Holiday Adventure Card

4 weeks, 3 winners (1 grand prize), unique Downtown experiences!

Holiday Adventure Card

When you shop, dine, discover, and celebrate in Downtown Detroit, you are:

Supporting local businesses and local jobs

Strengthening a vibrant, walkable, one-of-a-kind downtown

Helping your favorite Detroit spots stay strong all year long

And making memories that feel like home for the holidays

Stay in the Loop!

Thank You to Our Sponsors

News & Insights

Small Business Support

Read about how businesses are the heartbeat of Downtown Detroit.

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Celebrate Pride Month In Downtown Detroit!

June 9, 2026

Celebrate Pride Month In Downtown Detroit!

By Isaac Douglas, Planning + Business Engagement Manager Pride Month is a time to celebrate inclusivity, recognize LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, and highlight the welcoming spaces that help make Downtown . . .

Downtown Pride Pass Encourages Visitors to Support Downtown Detroit Small Businesses During Motor City Pride Weekend

June 3, 2026

Downtown Pride Pass Encourages Visitors to Support Downtown Detroit Small Businesses During Motor City Pride Weekend

DDP, in partnership with the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce, is launching the Downtown Detroit Pride Pass

The Perfect Mother’s Day Experience in Downtown Detroit

May 5, 2026

The Perfect Mother’s Day Experience in Downtown Detroit

The Perfect Mother’s Day Experience in Downtown Detroit by Isaac Douglas, Planning + Business Engagement Manager Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you are planning ahead or . . .

Did You Know Small Businesses are the Heartbeat of Detroit?

May 3, 2026

Did You Know Small Businesses are the Heartbeat of Detroit?

National Small Business Week is May 3-9, 2026. Downtown Detroit is home to more than 300 small businesses that are the heartbeat of our Downtown community. Below, hear from Isaac . . .

Celebrating Downtown Detroit’s Women Entrepreneurs

March 18, 2026

Celebrating Downtown Detroit’s Women Entrepreneurs

By Isaac Douglas, Planning + Business Engagement Manager The Downtown Detroit Partnership recognizes and celebrates the essential role women entrepreneurs play in Detroit’s hustle culture – driving innovation, resilience, and . . .

313 Day in Downtown Detroit!

March 10, 2026

313 Day in Downtown Detroit!

313 Day in Detroit! by Isaac Douglas, Planning + Business Engagement Manager On 313 Day, Downtown Detroit is the place to celebrate the pride, culture, and hustle that make Detroit one of . . .

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