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The BLD Effect
Our Programs
Supporting Detroit's entrepreneurs through equitable financial solutions
No-Interest Loans
0% interest loans for Detroit businesses owned by people of African descent. No hidden fees, flexible terms.
Building Fund
No-interest capital for residential developers of African descent. Building homes, building community.
Purpose
Black Leaders Detroit creates equitable access to capital and builds wealth for businesses and organizations led by people of African
descent.
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Mission
Our mission is to empower Detroit's entrepreneurs and community leaders through no-interest capital, fostering economic growth and community resilience.
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Vision
We envision a thriving Detroit where financial barriers don't prevent people of African descent from achieving their entrepreneurial dreams and building generational wealth.
Membership Donation
Choose your membership level and become part of Detroit's economic transformation
Get Involved with BLD
We provide two main types of support for Detroit entrepreneurs — no-interest loans and unrestricted grants. Both are designed to build equity and empower businesses of African descent, but they work differently.
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How It Works
This step-by-step process applies to our No-Interest Programs. Most grants are unrestricted and have different criteria or limited-time application periods.
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Submit your application online with required documentation
Apply
Our team reviews your application and assesses eligibility
Review
Fund
Receive funding and start growing your business
How It Works
This step-by-step process applies to our No-Interest Programs. Most grants are unrestricted and have different criteria or limited-time application periods.
Apply
Submit your application online with required documentation
Review
Our team reviews your application and assesses eligibility
Fund
Receive funding and start growing your business
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Get Involved with BLD
There are many ways to support our mission
Our Donors & Sponsors
We're grateful for the support of these mission-driven organizations
Trusted by Organizations
Nationwide
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 a organization that does not know me personally invested in me. Yes, I understand its a loan but no freaking interest? They are taking a chance on me!
Crystal Robertson
I actually thought the [loan] process was pretty simple, quite honestly. As long as you have your documentation, you can move through the process quickly. I felt like I got updates timely. Larenz was on it! So, every time I updated a document, the system would let me know if I had a question. My phone calls were always returned. If I sent an email, the response was prompt. Simple.
Jacquie Munson Gaines
My first interaction with Black Leaders Detroit was when you all knocked on the door and gave us a $2,000 grant. I was literally in my office packing, and Dwan put a check in my hands. And I knew from day one that Black Leaders Detroit is serious about that work.
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Khary Kimani Turner
Black Leaders Detroit gears up to increase holiday giving
Fox 2 Detroit
Cyclists complete their journey from Black Wall Street to Wall Street in New York City
Fox 23 Tulsa
Black Leaders Make a Difference
Sherri Show (Youtube)
Gilbert Family Foundation Invests Over $4M To Grow Black-Owned Businesses In Detroit
Afrotech
DisruptED in the D: Building an Inclusive Future with Black Leaders Detroit’s CEO Dwan Dandridge (Ep. 2)
DisruptED by Marketwatch
Detroit Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield Unveils Transition Team
Deadline Detroit
Get in Touch
Email:
bld@blackleadersdetroit.org
Have a question? We're here to help.
Phone:
313.550.4343
Get in Touch
Have a question? We're here to help.
Phone:
313.550.4343
