Small Change.
Big Impact.

No-interest capital, grants, and community support helping Detroit entrepreneurs grow, build, and thrive.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

APPLY FOR FUNDING

The BLD Effect

$7,084,305

Distributed to Date

900+

Organizations Supported

5000+

Community Funders

Why BLD Matters

Traditional systems have historically excluded Black entrepreneurs from equitable access to capital. BLD exists to help close that gap through community-powered investment and support.

MEET OUR TEAM

Purpose

We create equitable access to capital and economic opportunity for Detroiters of African descent.

Mission

BLD empowers entrepreneurs, developers, and community leaders through no-interest funding, grants, and strategic support.

Vision

We envision a Detroit where Black entrepreneurs and communities can build wealth without systemic financial barriers.

Trusted by Organizations
Citywide

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

Crystal Robertson Insurance
And Financial Services, Inc.

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

JMG Connects

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.

Khary Kimani Turner

Coleman A. Young Foundation.

Small Change. Big Impact.

No-interest capital and grants for businesses and organizations led by Detroiters of African descent

The BLD Affect

The BLD Effect

Distributed to Date

900+

Active Members

5000+

Distributed to Date

6,529,105

JOIN NOW

LEARN MORE

The BLD Effect

Community Funders

Support the movement with just $1 a week. Small contributions combine to create transformative collective impact across Detroit.

Become a Community Funder

Corporate Partners and Donors

Learn how your investment supports Detroit's business ecosystem and creates lasting economic impact for the community.

Partner With Us

Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

Apply for no-interest loans and programs designed to grow Black-led businesses in Detroit. No hidden fees, flexible terms.

View Programs

WHO WE SERVE

find your path forward

Whether you're building a business, investing in the community, or joining the movement, there's a place for you here.

Our Donors & Sponsors

We're grateful for the support of these mission-driven organizations

OUR SUPPORTERS

Upcoming Events & Workshops

Join us for community events, workshops, and networking opportunities

VIEW ALL EVENTS

OUR PROGRAMS

SUPPORTING DETROIT'S ENTREPRENEURS

Equitable financial solutions for Black-led businesses.

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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.

Ride 4 Unity

Our annual signature event bringing the community together to celebrate Detroit's economic future.

LEARN MORE

THe community funding model

Small
Contributions.
Transformative
Impact.

Detroit doesn't need one wealthy donor. It needs thousands of people investing in its future. Choose your level and see what we can build together

Also via Cash App: $bldetroit

CHOOSE YOUR FUNDING LEVEL

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.

No-Interest Loan Programs

Structured, 0% interest financing options for Detroit-based businesses through our No-Interest Loan Program and Building Fund. All funding requires an application, screening, and approval prior to disbursement.

LEARN MORE

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Unrestricted Grants

Flexible grants awarded to selected organizations and entrepreneurs throughout the year, providing timely financial support, strategic flexibility, and resources without a standard application or approval.

LEARN MORE

How It Works

This step-by-step process applies to our No-Interest Loan Programs. Most grants are unrestricted and have different criteria or limited-time application periods.

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

EXPLORE ALL PROGRAMS

APPLY FOR FUNDING

How It Works

This step-by-step process applies to our No-Interest Loan 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

Upcoming Events

Get Involved with BLD

There are many ways to support our mission

Screenshot 2025-12-11 at 12.31.45 AM.png

Volunteer Your Time

Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help support Detroit’s entrepreneurs. From mentorship to event support, there’s a role for everyone.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

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Stay Connected

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on programs,

success stories, and upcoming events. Be part of the

conversation.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates, events, and stories.

YOUTUBE

FACEBOOK

TIKTOK

Are you up for the challange?! 🚴🏾‍♀️🤳🏾 Comment creator below and we’ll send you everything to get started! 🤑💰

#rideforunity #detroit #detroitcreator #detroitunfluencer #michigan

Join us on August 6 at Campus Martius for an exclusive sneak peek of Black Leaders Detroit’s upcoming documentary, Ride for Equity capturing the powerful journey from Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Wall Street in New York.

This is more than a film. It’s a story of history, resilience, and what’s possible when we move with purpose.

📍 Campus Martius
🗓️ August 6
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM

#BlackLeadersDetroit #RideForUnity #RideForEquity #DetroitEvents #CommunityLeadershi

Yesterday, Detroit showed up for the Liberation Link Up and reminded us exactly what Juneteenth is all about community, culture, creativity, and collective liberation. From powerful art and live performances to meaningful connections and conversations, the energy at Marygrove Conservancy was unmatched.

Thank you to every artist, performer, vendor, community partner, volunteer, and attendee who helped make Day 1 of the 8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit a success.

But we’re not done yet.

Today, we take it to the block.

Join us for Jubilee on the Block from 1 PM–7 PM at 12305 Dexter for an afternoon filled with live entertainment, DJs, vendors, community resources, youth activities, wellness conversations, classic cars, the Taste of Freedom Bake-Off, and so much more.

Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your love for Detroit.

Let’s continue celebrating freedom, culture, and Black excellence together.

📍 12305 Dexter Ave, Detroit
⏰ 1 PM – 7 PM

See you on the block. #JuneteenthJubileeDetroit #JubileeOnTheBlock #BlackExcellence #DetroitEvents #JuneteenthDetroit

🚨 We have $10,000 to give away!! 🚨

If you’re a creator, business owner, or community leader who knows how to get people moving, this challenge is for you.

We’re launching the Ride For Unity Creator Challenge, and the top 5 participants will each win $2,000!

Here’s how it works:

✔️ Apply to participate
✔️ If selected, you’ll receive a code to create your own unique R4U registration link
✔️ Share that link with your audience, network, friends, family, followers… everybody!
✔️ Create content promoting the Ride For Unity Kickoff, collaborating with @bldetroit and @_rideforunity
✔️ Every person who registers through your link counts toward your total

The more people you bring out, the better your chances of landing in the Top 5.

This isn’t about follower count. It’s about community.

Ready to put your influence to work and earn $2,000 while helping unite Detroit?

Comment CREATOR below and we’ll send you the application.

*Must have a registered Detroit LLC, be of African descent, & be present at the Ride For Unity Kickoff on August 27.

#RideForUnity #BlackLeadersDetroit #DetroitCreators #DetroitInfluencers #DetroitBusiness

Please join us in welcoming Anthony to the Black Leaders Detroit team as our new Senior Marketing & Communications Manager.

We’re excited to have Anthony on board as we continue creating opportunities, building connections, and investing in the people moving our city forward.

#BlackLeadersDetroit #DetroitNonprofit #Detroit

Some conversations have the power to shift perspectives. Some stories have the power to inspire action.

Speak For Yourself is more than an event, it’s an opportunity to be part of an honest, thought provoking conversation centered on community, lived experiences, and the voices that deserve to be heard.

Pull up, bring your perspective, and join the dialogue.

Comment SPEAK for the ticket link.

#BlackLeadersDetroit #DetroitEvents #CommunityBuilding #SpeakForYourself #BLD

Did you catch Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit live on the news Saturday morning?

Take a special look into the full segment exploring the importance of what’s to come this weekend with our beautiful
CEO @jo_elle5485 and Creative Director @vonniepill helping spread the word to the community!

Huge shoutout to the talented grant finalists who showcased their work live, making the segment even more special: @j.r.strozier.art, @showbothrows, @mindfulbee, and @eccentricdanny

The weekend is almost here and you do NOT want to miss the celebrations! Register today and grab your tickets, before it’s too late!

Get your tickets now: JuneteenthJubileeDet.com

#JuneteenthJubileeDetroit #JJD2026 #FreedomWeekend #DetroitEvents #JuneteenthCelebration

BLD is a proud sponsor of the National Black Men In Leadership Conference (NBMIL).

The NBMIL Awards celebrate the excellence, resilience, and innovation of Black men and organizations making a meaningful impact across communities, industries, and society. Presented during the National Black Men in Leadership Conference, the awards recognize leaders and institutions driving change, advancing equity, inspiring others, and creating pathways for collective progress. Know an outstanding leader or organization? Hit the link in the bio to submit a nomination.

What started as a celebration of Black culture turned into opened doors, new opportunities, and a deeper investment in community.

Ahead of the 8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee, our COO, Sharea Ayers, is reflecting on her journey with Black Leaders Detroit from organizing Juneteenth Jubilee with the committee to receiving support from BLD, and eventually becoming part of the team.

Her story is a reminder of what happens when community invests in community. One connection turned into years of impact, opportunity, and growth.

Juneteenth Jubilee has always been bigger than an event. It’s about culture, collaboration, and creating spaces where Black Detroit can thrive together.

Join us for the 8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Weekend and experience it for yourself.

Comment “Juneteenth” for the ticket link + link to become a member of Black Leaders Detroit!

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #detroitevents #juneteenthjubileedetroit

What does community investment really look like? 🏚️➡️🏡

For Aloshia Jackson, it looks like bringing a long vacant property in the Oakman Boulevard community back to life.

With support from Black Leaders Detroit’s no interest Building Fund loan, Aloshia is transforming a vacant duplex into a space with new potential one roof board, contractor referral, and renovation milestone at a time.

“BLD isn’t your traditional lender. They really try to lend to people in our community that look like us.”

From feasibility conversations to continued check ins after funding, this is about more than a loan. It’s about partnership, support, and investing in the future of Detroit neighborhoods.

This is what your $1 week membership helps make possible.

Stay tuned for Part 2 as Aloshia takes us inside for a look at the before. 👀

#BlackLeadersDetroit #DetroitDevelopment #CommunityInvestment #DetroitRealEstate #BuildingFund

Your $1 might not seem like much… until you see what happens when a whole community comes together.

At Black Leaders Detroit, membership is just $1 a week and every dollar helps fuel grants, no-interest loans, programs, and opportunities for Detroit businesses and nonprofits.

Because real change doesn’t always start with millions.

Sometimes it starts with ONE dollar and people who care enough to give it.

Comment JOIN and we’ll send you the link. 🔗

#BlackLeadersDetroit #Detroit #CommunityDriven #SupportBlackBusiness #DetroitImpact

Detroit is car country. Always has been. That’s why this Juneteenth, we’re honoring a true Detroit trailblazer; Edward Davis. 🚘

Ed Davis became the first African American in the country to own a new car dealership and the first to secure a Big Three auto franchise right here on Dexter in Detroit. His legacy helped pave the way for Black entrepreneurship in the Motor City.

To celebrate that legacy, we’re bringing a classic car show to Juneteenth Jubilee on the Block on Saturday, June 20 from 1PM–7PM at 12305 Dexter Ave.

This is more than a car show. It’s a celebration of Black history, Black business, and Detroit culture.

Pull up. Bring the family. Let’s celebrate the legacy of Edward Davis together.

#BlackLeadersDetroit #JuneteenthJubilee #Detroit #MotorCity #ClassicCars

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Larenz is FIRED UP to give Detroit entrepreneurs the best no-interest loan experience possible! 🔥

From application support to helping business owners secure funding without the burden of interest, he’s committed to making the process smooth, supportive, and impactful.

Be on the lookout for when our no interest loan application opens again! 👀

Become a member for just $1/week and tap into a community investing in Detroit businesses every single day.

#BlackLeadersDetroit #DetroitEntrepreneurs #NoInterestLoans #DetroitBusiness #CommunityWealth

I’m honored to join leaders from across the country at the Black Wall Street Symposium and excited to support the work of Greenwood Trust as they help write Greenwood’s next chapter through investments in entrepreneurship, housing, education, and cultural preservation.

Join us at Legacy Fest as we explore what it takes to build sustainable economic power for future generations.

Register now and come join the discussion in Tulsa!

#BlackWallStreetSymposium #BlackLeadersDetroit

Your $1 a week is doing more than supporting a mission… it’s helping Detroit entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow.

Every no-interest loan funded through Black Leaders Detroit is powered by community. Powered by members. Powered by people who believe in investing in each other.

This is what your $1 at work looks like.

Ready to be part of the impact? Become a member today for just $1/week.

#blackleadersdetroit #nonprofit #blackentrepreneuer #nointerestloan #detroit

Jazmines favorite thing about being the Executive Assistant at BLD! 👀

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #detroitnonprofit

$15,000 is on the table at Jubilee on the Block.

Black Leaders Detroit is giving away fifteen $1,000 grants to Detroit business owners and nonprofit leaders and yes, new and existing members are eligible.

If an extra $1,000 could help you invest back into your business, organization, or next step… this is your sign to tap in.

Join us at Jubilee on the Block on June 20, 2026 for your chance to be part of it.

Comment “$” for Grant application!

#BlackLeadersDetroit #DetroitBusiness #DetroitNonprofits #DetroitEntrepreneurs #JubileeOnTheBlock

What is Dwan’s favorite thing about being the CEO of BLD? 👀

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #blackentrepreneuer #equity

Last week at i.Detroit Reunion 2026.

#blackleadersdetroit #idetroit #detroitevents #nonprofit #michigan

From documentaries to narrative films, Detroit creatives deserve access to funding that helps them grow without giving away ownership of their vision. 🎥💰

Black Leaders Detroit is proud to support entrepreneurs like Timashion “The Visionaire” Jones through no interest loans designed to create opportunity, build stronger businesses, and keep creativity in our community.

This work happens because people choose to invest in each other.

Become a member today for just $1/week and help us fund more entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders across Detroit.

#blackleadersdetroit #nonprofit #blackentrepreneuer #detroit

The Dexter Corridor has always been more than a street. It’s been a home for Black business, culture, community, and political movement in Detroit.

From Vaughn’s Bookstore, one of Detroit’s first Black-owned bookstores to Ed Davis’ historic Black-owned auto dealership, Dexter holds a legacy worth celebrating and preserving.

This Juneteenth, we’re honoring that legacy at the Juneteenth Jubilee. Join us for a day rooted in history, community, and celebration. ❤️🖤💚

📍12305 Dexter
🗓 June 20
⏰ 1PM–7PM

See you on the Dexter Corridor!

#JuneteenthDetroit #DetroitHistory #BlackDetroit #JuneteenthJubilee #DexterCorridor

Detroit, this is your Juneteenth weekend!

Join us for the 8th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend. Two days rooted in culture, creativity, liberation, and community.

✨ Friday: The Liberation Link Up
An upscale evening experience where art meets liberation. Come connect, celebrate, and uplift.

🎶 Saturday: Jubilee on the Block
A vibrant community celebration featuring live music, local vendors, resources, and Detroit energy all day long.

This is more than an event. It’s a celebration of Black culture, joy, and collective power.

📍 June 19 — Marygrove Conservancy | 6PM–10PM
📍 June 20 — Dexter Corridor | 1PM–7PM

Register now at juneteenthjubileedet.com

We’re honored to join leaders from across the country at the Black Wall Street Symposium and excited to support the work of Greenwood Trust as they help write Greenwood’s next chapter through investments in entrepreneurship, housing, education, and cultural preservation.

Join us at Legacy Fest as we explore what it takes to build sustainable economic power for future generations.

Register now and come join the discussion in Tulsa!

#BlackWallStreetSymposium #BlackLeadersDetroit

Behind every “thank you” is a vision being fundedand a future being built.

Shoutout to the Mack brothers on receiving their no interest loan 👏🏾 💵We’re proud to stand behind young leaders who are creating impact right here in our community.

This is what it looks like when we invest in each other.

If you believe in more moments like this more businesses launched, more ideas funded, more leaders supported join us.

Donate $1 a week and help us fund the next entrepreneur.

Because your $1 goes further than you think.

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nointerestloan #michigan

Congratulations to our CEO, Dwan Dandridge, on being recognized as a Great Expectations Awardee at the NAACP Detroit Branch’s 71st Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner.

Grateful for the acknowledgment and even more committed to the work ahead.

Thank you again to the NAACP Detroit Branch for this honor.
#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #naacp #fightforfreedomfunddinner

Honest conversations matter, even when we don’t fully agree.

A comment was left challenging what financial literacy looks like in our community. And while we don’t agree with every part of that perspective, we can acknowledge this: there have been moments where many of us were still learning how money works and how to make it work for us.

At Black Leaders Detroit, we’re clear on our role. We’re not here to be everything to everyone. We do something specific and we do it well.

But we can still respect people who choose to show up in other ways.

So to those doing the work, teaching, building, and sharing knowledge in the community, we see you.

Progress doesn’t come from silence. It comes from dialogue, action, and people willing to step up.

#blackleadersdetroit #detroit #nonprofit #Detroit #michigan

Grateful. Honored. Still working.

Thank you to the NAACP Detroit Branch for recognizing the work of Black Leaders Detroit and our Co-Founder & CEO, Dwan Dandridge.

This recognition belongs to every member, every entrepreneur, and every person who believes in building something real for our city.

#blackleadersdetroit #naacp #naacpdetroit #detroit #detroitnonprofit

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Follow us on Instagram

@bldetroit

BLD in the Media

Join us for community events, workshops, and networking opportunities

VIEW RECENT MEDIA

1 big thing: Small biz funder takes on home rehab

Axios Detroit

Detroit Evening Report: Black Leaders Detroit reaches out to developers

Detroit Public Radio

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.

Email:

bld@blackleadersdetroit.org

Phone:

313.550.4343

Site By Giving Proof

8425 W. McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221

Contact Us

Phone:
313.550.4343

Email:
bld@blackleadersdetroit.org

Small Change. Big Impact.

The BLD Effect

$7,084,305

900+

5000+

Why BLD Matters

Purpose

Mission

Vision

Trusted by Organizations Citywide

Small Change. Big Impact.

No-interest capital and grants for businesses and organizations led by Detroiters of African descent

The BLD Affect

The BLD Effect

900+

5000+

6,529,105

The BLD Effect

Community Funders

Corporate Partners and Donors

Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

WHO WE SERVE

find your path forward

​Our Donors & Sponsors

OUR SUPPORTERS

Upcoming Events & Workshops

OUR PROGRAMS

SUPPORTING DETROIT'S ENTREPRENEURS

No-Interest Loans

Building Fund

Ride 4 Unity

THe community funding model

Small Contributions. Transformative Impact.

Get Involved with BLD

No-Interest Loan Programs

Unrestricted Grants

How It Works

Apply

Review

Fund

How It Works

Apply

Review

Fund

Upcoming Events

Get Involved with BLD

Volunteer Your Time

Stay Connected

Follow Us

​

Follow us on Instagram

BLD in the Media

1 big thing: Small biz funder takes on home rehab

Axios Detroit

Detroit Evening Report: Black Leaders Detroit reaches out to developers

Detroit Public Radio

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

Email:

Phone:

8425 W. McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221

Programs

Contact Us

Phone: 313.550.4343 Email: bld@blackleadersdetroit.org

Creating equitable access to capital in Detroit.

Small Change.
Big Impact.

Trusted by Organizations
Citywide

Our Donors & Sponsors

Small
Contributions.
Transformative
Impact.

Email:
bld@blackleadersdetroit.org

Phone:
313.550.4343

Phone:
313.550.4343

Email:
bld@blackleadersdetroit.org