DisruptED in the D: Building an Inclusive Future with Black Leaders Detroit’s CEO Dwan Dandridge (Ep. 2)

Detroit’s comeback is defined by perseverance, creativity, and inclusivity—but who is ensuring that all Detroiters benefit from the city’s economic revival? Black Leaders Detroit, under the leadership of CEO Dwan Dandridge, is addressing this challenge head-on by providing capital and support to Black entrepreneurs in the city. Since its founding in 2019, the organization has deployed over $4 million through grants and no-interest loans, helping businesses grow and communities thrive.

How can Black entrepreneurs in Detroit access the capital they need to scale their businesses and contribute to the city’s redevelopment?

In the second episode of this two-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski continues his conversation with Dwan Dandridge. Together, they discuss how Black Leaders Detroit is making a lasting impact on the city’s economic landscape. From overcoming financial barriers to launching initiatives that empower the next generation, Dandridge shares his vision for a more inclusive Detroit.

Key takeaways from this episode:

  • The importance of community-driven economic initiatives in creating sustainable opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
  • The upcoming expansion of funding for real estate development, with loans reaching up to $150,000.
  • How Black Leaders Detroit is fostering local job creation and economic independence through strategic investment in Black-owned businesses.

Dwan Dandridge is the CEO of Black Leaders Detroit, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing capital and resources to Black entrepreneurs. With a deep understanding of Detroit’s economic and social landscape, Dandridge has championed innovative solutions to break down barriers for business owners of African descent. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a key player in Detroit’s redevelopment efforts.

Article written by MarketScale.

Recent Episodes

Artificial intelligence is radically transforming the military—an institution grappling with an eligibility crisis at home. According to the Department of Defense, a mere 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 qualify for military force without needing a waiver, meaning that 77% are currently ineligible due to factors like obesity, drug use, and mental or…

Workplace culture has become a defining factor in employee retention and performance. According to research from EnterpriseAlumni, employees who are not recognized are 8× more likely to be actively disengaged and 4× more likely to look for a new job. In other words, when recognition and culture are lacking, organizations face serious risks in…

As higher education institutions face declining enrollments and increasing pressure from employers for skills-based learning, small colleges are rethinking their missions. A whopping 70% of U.S. employers say they struggle to find workers with the right skills, and credential-based programs are gaining traction as a solution. At the intersection of tradition and transformation, Goldey-Beacom College…