ProsperUs Detroit

ProsperUs advances economic equity in under-resourced communities by supporting entrepreneurs with opportunities and capital needed to build businesses, generational wealth, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Entrepreneurial talent exists in every community. ProsperUs partners with entrepreneurs and business owners to support business launch, growth, or ongoing sustainability. We provide critical resources like access to education, expert support, and capital because we believe neighbors know what their communities need. Successful small businesses can help create thriving neighborhoods.

Nadia Nijimbere, Co-Owner of Baobab Fare

Quick Stats

Since 2012, ProsperUs has served over 1200 training participants and 99% are people of color.

Over $2.9 million has been approved in relationship-based microloans to entrepreneurs in Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, and Pontiac.

Nearly 90% of our borrowers are entrepreneurs of color.

Ameneh Marhaba, Owner of Little Liberia

Programs + Services

Lending: We provide access to capital through a relationship-based lending process designed to meet your needs.

Business Services: We coach entrepreneurs and connect them to service providers and professionals. We also provide grants to support your investment in projects.

Training: We support emerging entrepreneurs as they make progress via a cohort-based business planning class paired with one-on-one support.

Financial Coaching: We coach entrepreneurs to gain confidence and develop empowered habits for managing personal finances and credit.

Eutan Ngoulou, Owner of Freedom Cleaning Company

Testimonials

"We appreciate all of you so much and truly hope you know you’ve changed the lives of me and my children. I’m a mom of four, and showing them that support exists when you work hard is my ultimate goal in life. Thank you for believing in us ProsperUs." - Roxanne Ashley, Owner of The Goddess Metaphysical Store

“When we decided to start doing this business, since I have an MBA, someone might ask why I’d need more training. But I realized that my training wasn’t targeted for small business even with all that education. That’s where ProsperUs Detroit’s Entrepreneurial Training came in. They taught me so much more than I expected, and without their support, our business wouldn’t be as successful as we are today.” - Sonja McCoy, Co-Owner of Glass Block Express

“I was doing what I knew how to do. It was going well for me, too, and so when I found ProsperUs’ programs, they helped me legalize everything and make it an actual business. And then, came the REAL C.L.S. Lawn Care Service.” - Cedric Stewart, Owner of C.L.S. Lawn Care Service

Mayra De La Cerda, Owner of L'ArteSano + Lotus Essences

Brief History

The work ProsperUs does today is the result of a rich tapestry of influences from devoted local and national partners, invested practitioners on the team and in our network, a supportive board of directors and lending committee, and the commitment of the business owners we serve. As an adaptation of the Neighborhood Development Center’s (NDC) initiative in the Twin Cities that started over 25 years ago, a community advisory committee including partners from Global Detroit and Southwest Solutions sought to meet the needs of low-to-moderate income communities in Detroit focusing on entrepreneurs of color and immigrants by establishing a similar programming model in the local context. After years of learning and growing with the communities of Detroit as a program of Southwest Solutions, ProsperUs transitioned to be a fully independent nonprofit organization in 2020. ProsperUs is now a proud Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) where we are continuing our legacy of building relationships and sustainable businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. 

Owners of Detroit Soul

Community Partners

Eastside Community Network | Detroit Eastside Ford Resource and Engagement Center | Dream of Detroit at the Muslim Center | Central Detroit Christian CDC | Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp | Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance | Grace in Action Collectives