Fighting For Business Prosperity

Why I am Fighting For Business Prosperity?

Detroit is home to over 300,000 businesses and a national leader in seven different industries. These businesses are the economic engine of not only the city, but also the state. Detroit has seen record business growth over the past decade as we’ve diversified the business landscape, attracted new investors, developed new industries, and empowered its entrepreneurial and small business communities. However, as new and forceful market challenges arise for U.S. businesses, trust, support, and stability from city government will be more necessary than ever.

My Vision

The Kinloch administration will be a trusted advocate for Detroit’s business community. In partnership with our state, regional, and local colleagues, we are committed to (1) fostering industry growth and innovation, (2) eliminating unnecessary regulatory barriers that hinder business development and investment, and (3) increasing support for Detroit entrepreneurs and small businesses. Business sector growth is critical to the success of our economy, our neighborhoods, and our residents. With Kinloch, businesses big and small will prosper.

  • 1. Foster industry growth and innovation

    ● Support the auto industry’s transition to a mobility industry: Under the Kinloch administration, Detroit will remain the best place for the automotive industry to do business as auto companies transition to mobility companies. The city will partner with state, auto and mobility leaders to prioritize and invest in EV charging and smart mobility infrastructure, such as enhanced road markings, smart signage, roadside sensors, and redesigned roadways, to help accelerate electric and autonomous vehicle production and operation. Additionally, the administration will partner with government, business, and workforce training leaders to train and attract the next generation of mobility talent and business.

    ● Attract emerging industries in sectors such as life sciences, IT and food processing. The Kinloch administration will partner with business leaders from emerging industries wishing to relocate to Detroit and help facilitate a smooth transition to the city. The administration will connect business leaders in these emerging fields to the necessary financial tools, incentives packages, talent centers and site readiness programs needed to successfully establish themselves.

    ● Strengthen Detroit’s capacity as a major shipping and logistics hub: Detroit’s existing strengths - geographic location, existing shipping industries, readily- available modes of transportation, river, rail, air, highways and pipelines, as well as its history as a supply chain hub for the auto industry – makes it a natural fit to maximize this capability.

    ● Grow and strengthen Detroit’s research and development sector: The Kinloch administration will continue to support development of Detroit’s innovation districts, which cluster its large research institutions with industry business leaders. These districts will spur new Detroit companies in the R&D sector.

    ● Support Tech growth and development: The Kinloch administration will work with schools, universities, emerging tech developers and area businesses to grow and support an entrepreneurs’ tech ecosystem for innovative development.

    2. Eliminate regulatory barriers and bureaucracy for business

    Streamline business licensing, inspection, and permitting processes: The Kinloch administration will launch the “Streamline Detroit” initiative to ensure that government policies and processes are not an impediment to business success. This initiative will implement: (1) public timelines for business licensing, inspection and permitting processes; (2) regular training for city staff on standardized processes; (3) AI technologies, where appropriate, to supercharge the approval of permits and licenses; (4) instant online approvals for simple permits; (5) elimination of outdated policies and permits; and, (6) consolidation of permits and inspections involving multiple city agencies.

    3. Support our Detroit small and micro businesses

    ● Leverage city procurement to support Detroit small and micro businesses.

    The Kinloch administration will ensure the city’s micro and small businesses can effectively compete in Detroit. New city contract opportunities will be made accessible by ensuring the size of the contracts are small and manageable and bonding requirements are not overly burdensome. Additionally, the city will partner with local business associations and development organizations on proactive outreach to these businesses to ensure awareness of upcoming contract opportunities and to train them on how to successfully apply. Finally, the Kinloch administration will remain committed to ensuring Detroit located and employee businesses are prioritized for city contract opportunities.

    ● Expand access to affordable capital and business development assistance for Detroit’s small and micro businesses. The Kinloch administration will establish the “Incubate Detroit” fund which will provide grants and no or low-interest loans to small and microbusinesses ready to do business in the City. Additionally, the city will strategically partner with business associations and development organizations to make business development assistance services more accessible.

    Smaller businesses often lack access to business planning, legal, human resource, and accounting services, which are essential to their growth.

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