District Business Liaisons: A Bridge to Entrepreneur Resources
Detroit’s District 4 Business Liaison, Aftan Malone. Image courtesy of DEGC
The number of small, locally-owned, storefronts along the now bustling business corridors of Morningside has noticeably expanded. As the newcomers marry up with the long-established businesses, one thing is sure; it takes a deep level of commitment to have an ‘Open’ sign on the door. Whatever the licensed business, the owner at one time or another has contacted the City of Detroit. District Business Liaisons, like Aftan Malone representing District 4, serve as a bridge for business owners to cross into the City’s diverse economic ecosystem.
Aftan says her mission is to ‘help connect businesses to resources, advocate for the business owners and navigate them through city processes.” Employed by Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DECG), which partners with the city on economic initiatives, Aftan is completing her first year in the role as a DBL. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge from property management, real estate and work in the non-profit sector. Having benefited from strong mentorship programs in property development, Aftan recognizes that having a guide can make a big difference, by reducing the time it takes to either make a connection or get a major goal tackled. She’s aware that some owners may not feel ‘in the know,’ and she works to address that by being visible and accessible. “We can connect a business to technical assistance, other city departments, different city processes, permitting and address regulatory needs”.
Afton also has a personal connection to the Eastside. “I have family that lives in the Canfield and French Rd area, so I’ve grown up here and saw the neighborhood with thriving businesses in the past and see the potential for more.”
DECG sees that potential as well. They recognize Morningside as a vibrant neighborhood, and are one of the partner organizations that awards small businesses with financial support through Motor City Match (MCM). Several neighborhood entrepreneurs have received MCM awards, which most recently include, B:HER, Morningside Café, Flamz Pizzeria, Terri’s Cakes, Agape Love Childcare Center, and Next Chapter Books.
Afton has also become familiar with the established businesses along the Harper, Warren, and Mack business corridors. Admittedly though, she says, “I have a few more to make first time contacts with,’’ as it has taken time for introductions and relationship building. Additionally, Aftan works with area stakeholders like E Warren Development Corporation and Eastside Community Network to identify and address needs of residents and businesses.
The District Business Liaison’s core support areas include:
Helping business owners navigate city resources including, but not limited to, permitting, licensing, plan review, zoning variances, and inspections
Connecting business owners with the resources they need to grow and thrive, such as capital, talent, business support services, and grant programs. Providing residents with information about businesses in their neighborhood.
Advocating for owners to report where challenges lie for businesses in Detroit, to inform process, policy, and program improvements that benefit the small business community
The DEGC website has guides for entrepreneurs to use in planning their next steps for growing their business. More information can be found at www.degc.org or by contacting:
Aftan Malone, District 4 Business Liaison
Phone: (313) 510-5288, Email: amalone@degc.org