Development: Jobs Landed

I manage the DC3 client development and support program, identifying and managing relationships and programs with partner business incubators and accelerators, ensuring relevant programs are tailored and delivered to viable, growing creative sector businesses. I'm also creating programs that address existing gaps in current programs and services offered to creative sector entrepreneurs. Finally, I identify growing, viable creative sector businesses and stakeholders and connect them to the resources and services offered by the DC3 and partner organizations.

After obtaining my MA in London, I did a lot of hard thinking and research to make the decision to come back to Detroit. I eventually realized that it would have to be a leap of faith- there wasn't going to be droves of employers enticing me with major offers. But because I knew that Detroit would be a place where I could make a greater impact, I felt confident that the right opportunity would present itself and it did. Once you get on the ground here, you start to see all of this incredible activity buzzing just under the surface, and it's inspiring to be part of a professional community that has so much commitment to the city.

My job is exciting and challenging every single day!  We have a big mission at Bizdom--to launch innovative, growth oriented businesses in the City of Detroit along with creating a lot of new and exciting jobs, and we only have four months to do it in!  Each year, we work with about 15 - 20 entrepreneurs to take them from business concept, to pitch and launch in 4 months. Once they pitch, they launch their business in our incubator and continue to receive ongoing consulting and support from us as they grow and expand.  We are bringing exciting businesses to the City in areas like e-commerce, medical and accounting software, interactive and online training and more.  

It's my responsibility to design our training so that it is timely and relevant as it relates to where the entrepreneurs are in their business development.  I find experts in areas like research, marketing, sales, accounting, etc. to find out what an entrepreneur really needs to know, then I design engaging and interactive training around it, while also providing consulting and feedback to our entrepreneurs as they apply the training to their business.  It’s a dream job because I'm learning every day and I'm surrounded by an exceptional team, new ideas, creative people and exciting opportunities, all while making a difference in the city that I love. 

I coordinate CDAD's ADVANCE Executive CDC training program which includes setting up seminars, workshops and conferences.