$5,238,250

distributed to businesses and organizations led by Detroiters of African descent
(as of 08/01/25)

The 2nd Annual EntrepreneuHERS Brunch is here, and you don’t want to miss it.

Following the success of last year’s Women for BLD campaign, we’re returning with an even more powerful celebration of women of African descent in business. This year’s brunch brings inspiration, connection, and impact together in one unforgettable event.

✨ Be in the room as our 7 amazing finalists take the stage for a live pitch competition—competing for unrestricted funding to grow their ventures.
✨ Celebrate and support visionary women entrepreneurs of African descent.
✨ Build community with changemakers, allies, and innovators committed to equity and empowerment.

Get your tickets now and be part of funding the future.

GET TICKETS

OUR PURPOSE

Entrepreneurship has long been touted as a key driver of economic growth and innovation. However, despite the increasing interest in entrepreneurship among persons of African descent, they face numerous challenges in obtaining capital to grow or sustain their businesses.

OUR MISSION

To provide financial support via no-interest loans and unrestricted grants to diverse social and community-led impact programs designed and originated by entreprenuers of African descent.

OUR VISION

The nationally lauded resurgence of Detroit which has led some to label it “America’s comeback city,” has sorely lacked one thing- the equitable participation of its African American residents who still comprise over 75% of its populace.

WHY BLACK LEADERS DETROIT?
OUR CORE VALUES

Shared Power

When it comes to achieving true equity, the solutions that members of the community bring to the table are equally as valuable as funding.

Transparency

We believe trust is earned not given. We are transparent in our practices, processes, and decision making.

Black Excellence

We celebrate creativity and innovation. We take risks to establish a fair playing field.

Unity

We recognize that everyone’s contribution has value and together is the ONLY way to save the day.

Why

Ride For Equity Photo

Dwan Dandridge during 2022's Ride For Equity

FlyTy Creations

Detroit Drip Grant Winner

Ride For Equity 2022

Ken Elkins, close-up

Ride For Equity Photo

Dwan Dandridge during 2022's Ride For Equity

1/14

Over

800 businesses and organizations supported

BLD was interested in my vision, the performance of my business, and my future goals. I felt like, "Ok I'm being heard...like really being heard!" I can't explain how proud I felt that a organization that does not know me personally invested in me. Yes, I understand its a loan but no freaking interest? They are taking a chance on me!

Crystal Robertson

Crystal Robertson Insurance
And Financial Services, Inc.

I actually thought the [loan] process was pretty simple, quite honestly. As long as you have your documentation, you can move through the process quickly. I felt like I got updates timely. Larenz was on it! So, every time I updated a document, the system would let me know if I had a question. My phone calls were always returned. If I sent an email, the response was prompt. Simple.

My first interaction with Black Leaders Detroit was when you all knocked on the door and gave us a $2,000 grant. I was literally in my office packing, and Dwan put a check in my hands. And I knew from day one that Black Leaders Detroit is serious about that work.

Khary Kimani Turner
Coleman A. Young Foundation.

Jacquie Munson Gaines
JMG Connects

OUR TEAM

Dwan Dandridge

CEO/Founder

Sharea Ayers

COO

Larenz Studavent

Senior Loan Officer

Jarod Pratt

Director of Communications

and Development

Tiana London-Harris

Membership Growth

and Events Coordinator

Jazmine Johnson

Executive Assistant

Mario Dewberry

Building Fund Project Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Shannon Gaston

Divisional Learning Manager | Midwest

Young Life

(Board Chair)

Quan Neloms

Founder

I Am In Demand

Duan’te Anderson

Area Manager
Ford Motor Company

Dominique Campbell

Founder
Rise Up Higher

FUNDING BOARD

April Anderson

Owner
Good Cakes and Bakes

(Board Chair)

Verne Perigord

Partner
PWC Consulting

Shalece Daniels

Entrepreneur

Certified Mindset & Business Coach

Kathy Morgan

Community Engagement Director
Flagstar Foundation

Jason Allen

Regional Claim Manager

The Auto Club Group

Kamilia Landrum

Executive Director

Detroit Branch NAACP

Danielle North

Founder | Executive Director

Dream Studios Detroit |

Bottom Line Detroit

Jason Barnett

Senior Vice President
Invest Detroit

LaTrice McClendon

Detroit Director

Knight Foundation

Sarida Scott

Tosha Tabron

Leon Petty

Vice President, Program

The Skillman Foundation

Investment Officer

The Kresge Foundation

Owner

Go Green

Aprila Ringo

Education Assistant

Central Detroit Christian

Sean Williams

CEO

Detroit Vs. Everybody

Terri Weems

President

Detroit Employment Solutions

ALLY COUNCIL

Danielle North

Executive Director
Degree Forward

Kathy Morgan

Corporate Engagement Specialist
Flagstar Bank

Leon Petty

Owner
Go Green

ALLY COUNCIL

Though the group that we are looking to provide financial support for is very specific, the supporters of the work come from varied backgrounds. We are glad to have committed allies that are invested in the work that we are doing. We have asked some of them to serve on an ally council. This council will serve as a vital piece when it comes to BLD creating access to capital for Entrepreneurs of African descent.