BuyDetroit

What is BuyDetroit?

Fostering a community of business-to-business procurement, BuyDetroit is the single source for buyers, suppliers and contractors of all sizes and categories to connect, post and apply for new opportunities, and build capacity. In turn, the program creates new jobs, drives access and inclusion, and helps to grow Detroit’s economy.

The BuyDetroit Procurement Portal is Detroit’s online opportunity clearinghouse for procuring local goods and services. 

Connect to the procurement portal

Resources

BuyDetroit has partnered with LISC to bring forth a FREE program for small businesses—the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program. It’ll teach you strategies other businesses are using to get ahead. And you’ll learn how to be more digitally savvy.

Small Business Digital Ready provides personalized content, coaching, networking and more, and all the online tools are in one place, so it’s easy to use. Here’s how it works.

  • When you sign up for the program, you’ll answer a series of questions about your business and your specific needs and interests. Based on your answers, Verizon and its partners will personalize a learning dashboard with content to match your needs.
  • Next, you’ll have access to short online learning modules created by actual small business owners on the topics most important to your business right now.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to sign up for coaching events and start networking with other small businesses. Not only that, as you participate in the program, you can become eligible to apply for an exclusive pool of grants, as well as benefit from an exclusive marketplace of tools, solutions, products and services that can help move your business forward.

Small Business Digital Ready is part of Verizon’s commitment to provide support for 1 million small businesses over the next decade.
Take advantage of this great opportunity and start building a better business!

Watch our Fireside Chat with Mathew Knowles

Frequently Asked Questions

Why participate?

BuyDetroit understands the unique needs of buyers and sellers, and is creating resources to better prepare Detroit small- and mid-sized businesses to successfully compete for new business opportunities. This includes improving peer connections, building capacity and facilitating access to large contracts – all in one place.

Who is eligible?

Supplier Requirements:

  • Headquartered or based in the City of Detroit
  • Registered and in good standing with the State of Michigan
  • Have an EIN number
  • In business for two or more years
  • Have a valid license for the trade or profession the company is registered as (such as Lawyer, CPA, tradesman, and other licensed-required fields)
  • Have a DUNS number if applying for government contracts

Buyer Requirements:

  • Agree to a clear, concise and fair bidding process that includes a scoring rubric
  • List real opportunities with open and close dates
  • Provide an opportunity description and a contract value
  • Provide timely response to suppliers’ questions about the opportunity
  • Have an EIN number
  • In business for two or more years
  • Must not discriminate

How to participate?

Create an account and register for the Marketplace.

WHAT TYPES OF OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

Buyers post specific opportunities in a variety of product and service areas. Opportunities are typically Request for Proposals/Qualifications (RFP/Q) from such notable organizations as the City of Detroit, Bedrock, DTE, Wayne State University and Comerica.

At A Glance

Funders

tcf bank logo
New Economy Initiative logo

“At TCF, we believe that strengthening communities starts by strengthening those who call it home. Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, and we are committed to helping them grow and thrive. As Detroit’s hometown bank, we are thrilled to support the BuyDetroit program and the opportunities it creates for our local businesses and residents to make connections and  create new jobs.”

“Investing in small businesses is a driving force of job creation and economic growth overall, particularly in Detroit. We are proud to support the BuyDetroit program, which connects and grows Detroit-based buyers, suppliers and contractors, making personal and community wealth building opportunities available to small businesses and residents of Detroit.”

New Economy Initiative logo

“Investing in small businesses is a driving force of job creation and economic growth overall, particularly in Detroit. We are proud to support the BuyDetroit program, which connects and grows Detroit-based buyers, suppliers and contractors, making personal and community wealth building opportunities available to small businesses and residents of Detroit.”

Partners

tcf bank logo
New Economy Initiative logo

Buyer Council

The Buyer Council is comprised of top procurement leaders representing for- and non-profit organizations committed to growing Detroit businesses and driving inclusivity and diversity in their local spend. They help set the vision for BuyDetroit through promoting local purchasing, business certification and capacity building.

 

Memberships

Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce logo
New Economy Initiative logo
Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce logo

Let us help you connect to opportunities in Detroit

 

844-333-8249

Mikki Godfrey

Director of BuyDetroit Program

Lauryn Johnson

Program Coordinator for BuyDetroit