NEIdeas challenge returns for second year of grants to small businesses in Detroit

Last year, the New Economy Initiative and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation teamed up to award 32 existing small businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park a combined total of over $500,000 for their ideas for growth.
 
Instead of focusing on startups like other Detroit business competitions, NEIdeas is designed specifically for small businesses that are at least three years old and have had a lasting impact on their neighborhoods.
 
This year, a whole new group of time-tested Detroit businesses will receive NEIdeas challenge grants. Applications for 2015 NEIdeas grants open on Thursday, May 7. Before then, NEIdeas will be hosting a series of information sessions, starting with one on Tuesday, April 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Northeast Guidance Center (2900 Conner St., Detroit, 48215). The next is happening Thursday, April 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at  Motor City Java & Tea House (17336 Lasher Rd., Detroit, 48219).

For a full schedule of NEIdeas events, visit neideasdetroit.org.