BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The Business Development (BD) team has two primary functions:

Corporate Attraction - Attracts large scale and high. growth corporate end users to the City of Detroit.
Business Retention - Supports the growth and sustainability of Detroit-based companies*,
including industrial firms, corporate offices,
and high-growth start-ups.

*Note: We do not directly serve solopreneurs or retail businesses. Please visit the Small Business Services
team’s web page for dedicated support.

For more information on Corporate Attraction and Business Retention and Expansion programs, including success stories and resources, see below.

We focus our work on these three Prosperity Sectors:

1. Automobility and Advanced Manufacturing
2. Clean Energy and Sustainability
3. Research, Engineering and Design

These sectors were selected based on Detroit’s industry strengths, competitive advantages, sector expertise, job quality and opportunities for growth.

The BD team is available to meet with businesses, regardless of the sector. Contact the team now.

OUR PROSPERITY SECTORS

See why Detroit is the right location for businesses within our three Prosperity Sectors:

Automobility & Advanced Manufacturing

Detroit’s rich automotive & manufacturing history speaks
for itself, with unmatched
talent, mobility infrastructure
and density of industry investment.

Clean Energy & Sustainability

Detroit and Michigan are leading the clean energy revolution, leveraging our historic strengths in advanced manufacturing
and R&D.

Research, Engineering,
& Design

Detroit is the burgeoning epicenter of a regional
R&D powerhouse.

CORPORATE
ATTRACTION

The Corporate Attraction program engages companies, site selection consultants, service providers, and other key partners to attract large scale corporate investment and innovative high growth companies to the City of Detroit.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Our team has many ways to help your project be a success in Detroit:

Project Management – We will be your single point of contact to manage your project from initial conversation through announcement.
Site Selection – We will help you find the right location for your project, leveraging our extensive database of site options and our strong relationships with the local real estate community.
Incentives – We underwrite and offer tax incentives for selected competitive projects
that provide compelling value to Detroit and Detroiters.

We will often pull in partner organizations to support your project, resulting in a package
of federal, state and local tools that help the
Detroit location compete with others.

Click here to view more on our tax incentives.
Partner Network – We maintain a vast partner network to meet the needs of your project including state, regional, financial, workforce
and innovation.

Learn more about Detroit's strategic location here.

BUSINESS RETENTION
& EXPANSION

The Business Retention program supports the growth and sustainability of Detroit-based companies, including industrial firms, corporate offices, and high-growth start-ups. Note: We do not directly serve solopreneurs or retail businesses.

Program Services Sheet

Business Visit Tracker Map

HOW WE CAN HELP

Strategic Business Consultation – Evaluate
your business needs, growth opportunities, and connect to resources like grants, loans, technical support, and networking.
City of Detroit Support – Navigate city departments to streamline projects and
resolve challenges including zoning,
permitting, procurement, taxes, and land sales.
Facility Expansion & Rehabilitation – Support site selection, building upgrades, and expansions leveraging city/state tax incentives.
Workforce & Talent Development – Facilitate hiring, training, and employee retention with Detroit at Work and partners. Includes support like transportation, childcare, and mental health resources.
Grow Your Market – Expand your customer base, pursue contracts, and access marketing, design, and international sales support.