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Small Change.
Big Impact.

No-interest capital, grants, and community support helping Detroit entrepreneurs grow, build, and thrive.

The BLD Effect

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Partners

Why BLD Matters

Traditional systems have historically excluded entrepreneurs of African descent from equitable access to capital. BLD exists to help close that gap through community-powered investment and support.

Purpose

Black Leaders Detroit provides equitable access to capital and resources, supporting businesses and organizations led by people of African descent.

Mission

Our mission is to empower Detroit’s entrepreneurs and community leaders with grants, no-interest capital and community support for economic growth.

Vision

We envision a Detroit where financial barriers are removed, enabling people of African descent to achieve entrepreneurial dreams and wealth.

How It Works

This step-by-step process applies to our No-Interest Loan Programs. Most grants are unrestricted and have different criteria or limited-time application periods.

  1. 01.

    Apply

    Submit your application online with required documentation

  2. 02.

    Review

    Our team reviews your application and assesses eligibility

  3. 03.

    Fund

    Receive funding and start growing your business

— Who We Serve

Find Your Path Forward

Whether you're building a business, investing in the community, or joining the movement, there's a place for you here.

Entrepreneurs of African descent and small business owners

Apply for no-interest loans and programs designed to grow Black-led businesses in Detroit. No hidden fees, flexible terms.

View Programs

Corporate Partners and Donors

Learn how your investment supports Detroit's business ecosystem and creates lasting economic impact for the community.

Partner With Us

Partners

Support the movement with just $1 a week. Small contributions combine to create transformative collective impact across Detroit.

Become a Partner

— Our Supporters

We're grateful for the support of these mission-driven organizations

  • PNC
  • Ally
  • Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
  • Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Triumph Church
  • Corrigan Oil Co. / Environmental Waste Services
  • Detroit2Nepal
  • School
  • Bank of America
  • Ford Foundation
  • Comerica Bank
  • DTE Foundation
  • Hudson-Webber Foundation
  • PNC
  • Ally
  • Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
  • Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Triumph Church
  • Corrigan Oil Co. / Environmental Waste Services
  • Detroit2Nepal
  • School
  • Bank of America
  • Ford Foundation
  • Comerica Bank
  • DTE Foundation
  • Hudson-Webber Foundation
  • W.K. Kellogg Foundation
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Invest Detroit
  • AAA
  • AmeriCorps
  • Barton Malow
  • TCF Bank
  • Hebrew Free Loan Detroit
  • Huntington Bank
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Flagstar Bank
  • Ballmer Group
  • Detroit Means Business
  • W.K. Kellogg Foundation
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Invest Detroit
  • AAA
  • AmeriCorps
  • Barton Malow
  • TCF Bank
  • Hebrew Free Loan Detroit
  • Huntington Bank
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Flagstar Bank
  • Ballmer Group
  • Detroit Means Business

Connect With Detroit's Builders and Changemakers

Workshops, networking events, rides, and community gatherings designed to connect and empower Detroit entrepreneurs.

View All Events
Detroit Business Symposium 2026

Detroit Business Symposium 2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 6 PM | The Icon, 200 Walker Street, Detroit

RSVP

Voices From the Community

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 an organization that does not know me personally invested in me. Yes, I understand it's a loan but no freaking interest? They are taking a chance on me!
Crystal Robertson

— Social Media

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Be Part of Detroit's Economic Future

Every partner contribution, donation, and partnership helps expand access to capital for Detroit entrepreneurs.