DETROIT'S ROADMAP TO
BIG BUSINESS AND JOBS
Detroit has become a nationally celebrated business mecca. The city was named the number one metropolitan area in a 2020 investment survey due, in part, to its three-pronged focus.
BIG-NAME BUSINESSES CHOOSE DETROIT FOR ITS FUTURE AND WORKFORCE.
Big businesses, new and old, international and domestic, are putting their money on Detroit. Since 2014, they have invested more than $9 billion to relocate or expand their operations in the city and create tens of thousands of jobs, including Stellantis for Detroit’s first new auto assembly plant in three decades, GM for its first dedicated EV assembly plant, Ford Motor Company for its Michigan Central campus, Huntington Bank for a new world headquarters, and Amazon for two new centers.
After an exhaustive search, we decided that, hey, this is where we want to be. This is our new home.
Sylvester Hester
President and CEO, LM Manufacturing
There is no U.S. city more favorably positioned for economic growth than Detroit.
Dan Gilbert
Founder and CEO
Rocket Companies
I'd rather be in Detroit than in any urban center in America. Not San Francisco, Not New York. It's Detroit
Gary Torgow
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Huntington National Bank
Here's what you need to Open a Business
Our Quick Start Guide provides new or relocating businesses with a simple, nine-point checklist to move a business from "application to open," streamlining the paperwork and permits.
Are you ready to start a business in Detroit?
Detroit has simplified the licensing and permitting process through an online system that tracks submission progress and reduces inefficiencies. One-stop shop for most of your business permitting needs.
Your Personal Business Concierge
Detroit removes red tape by assigning an experienced District Business Liaison to guide relocating and expanding business owners through city requirements. This free concierge helps businesses find the things they need quickly.
The Detroit region boasts a workforce of 2.6 million people with specialized expertise in fields like advanced manufacturing, engineering, and mobility technologies. Detroit offers more than 50 training programs annually in high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and transportation, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled and employable talent. Nearly 98,800 tech-related professionals reside in the Detroit region, including 39,000 software engineers, making it a hub for innovation-driven industries.
See How Detroit Works
Deangelo Gibson celebrates his Skills for Life certification, joining nearly 900 other Detroiters in securing living-wage jobs thanks to targeted training and credentialing through the program.
"We have a community of strong and versatile talent. We help prepare that talent to meet the needs of Detroit's growing business sectors."
Terri Weems
Group Executive of Workforce Development
"We are proud to showcase world-class quality auto parts built by hardworking Detroiters."
Andra Rush
Founder and CEO
Dakkota Integrated Systems
"After an exhaustive search, we decided that, hey, this is where we want to be. This is our new home."
Christine Estereicher
Vice President of Public Affairs North America
Stellantis
DETROIT AT WORK
AMERICA'S MOST EFFICIENT HR DEPARTMENT
Detroit At Work Prepares Talent for Opportunity
Detroit invested $100 million into its workforce through Detroit At Work (DAW). DAW connects Detroit residents with job opportunities, training and career advancement resources. To date, nearly 7,000 Detroiters have been credentialed, trained or apprenticed, making them ready-to-hire in Detroit's emerging high-demand industries.
Detroit At Work provides free training toward professional credentialing through a paid three-day work, two-day learning program. DAW also builds reading and math skills for those seeking GED certification. To date, Detroit At Work has prepared 817 newly skilled Detroiters for the workplace. It manages nine career centers and serves over 17,000 youth. Through their Skills for Life program—a career development and advancement program—nearly 2,000 lives have been enhanced.
Detroit At Work Helps Onboard Talent
Detroit At Work provides job seekers readiness programs, including resume building, interview preparation and orientation to workplace expectations. Through career coaching and skills assessments, the program identifies a person's strengths and areas for improvement. Based on these assessments, DAW offers specialized training programs that cater to in-demand sectors like healthcare, IT and skilled trades.
Detroit At Work collaborates with employers to ensure smooth onboarding by applying successful integration strategies for new hires. After candidates are placed, Detroit At Work offers follow-up support to both the employee and employer to secure retention and job success.
Detroit Has a Specialized Talent Pipeline
Top universities such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University sit within Detroit and attract talent from across the country.
These universities also partner with local businesses, offering specialized training and research programs, developing a pipeline of skilled talent, driving innovation and economic growth. Young talent continues to seek Detroit's business opportunities. This is one reason why Detroit keeps growing.
Aerial view of Michigan Central Train Station
3. DETROIT HAS SPACE TO GROW
National Leader in Adaptive Reuse Buildings
Detroit has re-tailored its rich inventory of older buildings, with over 80 buildings retrofitted making it a national leader in adaptive reuse of structures. Notable examples include Michigan Central Station, the Book Tower and the Fisher Body Plant.
Abundant Ready-to-Occupy Commercial Space
Detroit offers a variety of available commercial spaces, including over 90 retail spaces for lease and 513 commercial properties for sale, ranging from 5,000 to 40,000 square feet.
Budget-Friendly Real Estate
Compared to other major metropolitan areas, Detroit's commercial properties are more affordable, permitting businesses to secure large professional and industrial spaces at competitive rates.
A look inside Detroit's Stallentis factory
This is How Detroit Makes it Easy to Do Large-Scale Business
Detroit has attracted over $4.4 billion in investments from domestic companies in five years. Detroit's appeal as a business hub has also drawn in $4.6 billion in international investment.
Detroit offers a robust support system for companies at all stages
of development. With programs like Detroit At Work, and multiple post-secondary universities and training centers, the city ensures a highly skilled, work-ready talent pipeline. Its economic development initiatives and adaptive reuse of historic buildings create a pro-business environment. Coupled with efforts from organizations such as the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and bespoke District Business Liaisons, Detroit provides large-scale businesses the resources they need to thrive and grow.