Detroit News: Open City Will Help Small Business

Here’s some good news for my fellow Motownies who are itching to open their own shop this year (a very good resolution if I may say so). Small business owners, Liz Blondy and Claire Nelson, are paving the way with a new group called Open City. It’s a group that provides existing and aspiring Detroit business owners with coaching, support and practical information.

Blondy, who owns Canine to Five, a dog day care and grooming business on Cass, was quoted in Detroit’s Free Press recently. She said, “Claire and I are very passionate Detroiters. We both think that Detroit is only going to grow. What’s going to contribute to the city’s growth is small businesses. People who visit my business have told me that, among other reasons, they do business with me because I choose to be in Detroit. People spend their money in the suburbs because they can’t in Detroit right now.”

Open City began holding monthly meetings in September. Discussions include topics like financing, forming a business plan and marketing.

Nelson, (pictured left) the 31-year-old owner of Bureau of Urban Living, an office and home furnishings shop on West Canfield, said the community has rallied around her shop, which she opened in April. Misterarthur and I purchased some of our Christmas presents there. She has a great assortment of home accessories and just plain fun stuff.

Bureau of Urban Living

“People are hungry for retail,” Nelson said. “I thought it would be a neighborhood corner store, but people drive from all over the city because they feel strongly about supporting local businesses.”

My friend, Joe Posch, owner of the fabulous Mezzanine is a big supporter of Blondy and Nelson’s new effort. For several years, he dreamed of moving his contemporary furniture and lighting store to Detroit from Ann Arbor. In 2005, he did just that. It’s located on the second floor of 206 E. Grand River. “The character is so interesting,” said Posch. “It’s full of energy, creative energy. It’s the small businesses that really give the city its character and a neighborhood its feel.”

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at Cliff Bell’s nightclub, 2030 Park Ave., Detroit. The next meeting is Jan. 15. They start at 6:30 PM. See you there!