New Economy Initiative

The New Economy Initiative, a special project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, is the largest economic development initiative of its kind working to build a network of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. It was built in the face of a market failure not seen in their lifetime and a culture that had either forgotten or lost faith in its ability to generate the ideas and businesses of tomorrow. Through smart investments, NEI has continued to narrow its focus towards the Greater Downtown 3.5 mile corridor that can service entrepreneurs, while benefiting people throughout the region. That means supporting the service providers – from those providing technical assistance like business planning and concept testing, to those providing capital and beyond – that help businesses grow and thrive, while connecting them to each other and the people they serve. That means creating new companies, jobs and additional dollars of investment along the way. Ultimately, that means building a more diverse economy where jobs and prosperity are available for all.

Wafa Dinaro

Executive Director

18 past transactions

E. Warren Development Corp. is a nonprofit community and economic organization that supports local and small businesses to grow, sustain, and thrive.

Endeavor Detroit

Grant in 2023
Endeavor works to catalyze long-term economic growth by selecting, mentoring, and accelerating the best high-impact entrepreneurs.
The Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance develops programes and advocates for policies that result in profitable and sustainable black-owned businesses that are connected to public and private economic opportunities while building trust.

ProsperUS Detroit

Grant in 2023
ProsperUS Detroit helps entrepreneurs and community partners transform the low-income neighborhood economies in Detroit. It works with entrepreneurs and community organizations to educate, support, and inspire minority and immigrant entrepreneurs to concentrate on micro-enterprise development. It builds local and national capacity of individuals, organizations, and communities. The organization offers trainings for entrepreneurs, capacity building programs for community organizations, and micro-loans and technical assistance to local micro-enterprise in targeted neighborhoods. ProsperUS Detroit was founded in 2010 and is based in Michigan, United States.
Detroit Development Fund is a non-profit (501(c)(3)) organization and a certified community development financial institution, incorporated in the state of Michigan. Detroit Development Fund was created in 1998 with an initial mission of helping revitalize an economically distressed target area in Detroit’s far East side neighborhoods. It now operates throughout the City of Detroit. Detroit Development Fund provides loans and technical assistance to small business owners, developers, building owners, contractors, and subcontractors who cannot get all of the capital they need from traditional financing sources. It delivers its products and services with the goals of revitalizing businesses and neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan, creating economic equity, and promoting a healthy environment.
Detroit Regional Chamber serves the business community by creating a favorable economic climate and offering essential resources. The Chamber supports regional initiatives, including the automotive and mobility sectors, and hosts significant policy conferences.

ISAIC

Grant in 2023
ISAIC is breaking the apparel manufacturing industry mold. It provides training institutes producing top talent, a learning factory focused on high-quality domestic production, and a commitment to right-shoring and reducing waste, ISAIC is innovating the future.

Right to Start

Grant in 2023
Right to Start is a campaign to expand entrepreneurial opportunity for everyone, regardless of place, race, or background.

Fair Food Network

Grant in 2023
Fair Food Network is a non-profit organization that helps people connect to the power of food to improve health and wealth in communities. It invests in entrepreneurs who are growing community health and wealth. With catalytic capital and business assistance, the organization meets entrepreneurs where they are and take them where they want to go. Its investment strategy is informed by local knowledge alongside the national footprint and programmatic expertise of Fair Food Network. Fair Food Fund has been investing in entrepreneurs who are growing community health and wealth through food since 2013 and it is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Eastside Community Network (formerly Warren/Conner Development Coalition) has been spearheading community development on Detroit's east side for over 30 years. Eastside Community Network develops people, places and plans for sustainable neighborhood growth on Detroit's Eastside.

Black Leaders Detroit

Grant in 2023
Black Leaders Detroit is a non-profit organization that provides financial support for diverse social and community impact projects.
Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization promoting economic growth and sustainability through networking opportunities, support and innovative initiatives. The association also offers development programs and international trade with other countries representing diverse industries.
Michigan Women Forward is working to reform Michigan so that women and girls can attain equality and empowerment.
Grace in Action Collectives is a network of youth-run and worker-owned collectives that builds intersections between residents self-identified interests and talents.
Detroit Economic Growth is a nonprofit economic development agency based in Detroit, Michigan. It collaborates closely with the City of Detroit and various partners to foster business sustainability and attract new investments to the region. The organization focuses on supporting existing businesses while also working to create a favorable environment for new companies. Through its efforts, Detroit Economic Growth aims to stimulate economic activity and enhance the overall vitality of the city.
Great Lakes Women's Business Council is a nonprofit organization for women and minority business owners.
Lawrence Technological University boasts an intimate learning environment, innovative academics and success among its graduates. Located in Southfield, Michigan, Lawrence Tech offers over 100 degree options at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including master’s and doctoral degrees. Degrees are awarded in such fields as Aeronautical, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Bioelectronics, Business, Computer Science, Physics and such pre-professional programs as Pre-Med and Pre-Dental. Lawrence Tech also offers artistic degrees that push past the boundaries of many technological universities. Included among these are degrees in Animation and Visual Effects for Film, Digital Arts, Graphic Design, Radio and Television Broadcasting, Media Communications, Television Production and Writing. Exceedingly small classes, which usually feature no more than 16 students, enhance the Lawrence Tech learning experience and provide more interaction between student and faculty. Student life at Lawrence Tech is another reason to attend. Enhancing the academic experience, more than 60 academic, recreational, special interest, religious, cultural, service and Greek organizations can be found at Lawrence Tech. There is also a student newspaper and student government. Comfortable student housing, dining and recreational facilities also make campus life an enjoyable experience. Loans, grants, work-study, scholarships and military assistance are some of the financial aid options available to eligible students.
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