The Grand Prix this weekend will be a boost for businesses downtown, and additional local small businesses will have the opportunity to be showcased. The Small Business Straightaway will have 29 small businesses set up in Cadillac Square next to Campus Martius this weekend, June 3-4, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The businesses are largely owned by women, people of color, and veterans, and were chosen based on sustainability, minority ownership and employment opportunities for people with barriers to employment. The businesses come from many areas around the city, and represent a variety of goods and services, from art galleries to bridal shops to BBQ, food, and fitness options. Additional food trucks will also be onsite through the weekend.
“With the Grand Prix returning to its original home on the Streets of Detroit this summer, one of our biggest priorities was to create more opportunities for small, locally-owned businesses across the city,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. “Thanks to the support of our Community Partners, the Small Business Straightaway will give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to benefit from a big event weekend in Detroit and make even more of an impact across our business community. We believe that promoting small businesses will help support working families while reinvesting in our communities and neighborhoods across the City of Detroit.”
The Grand Prix will take place downtown for the first time in years. The course will run along Jefferson, behind the Ren Cen, and up through Franklin and Rivard. Be aware of street closures and transit options if you're heading downtown this weekend. The races start this Friday, June 2.
