Business Leaders for Michigan announced it received a federal grant of $200,000 to help launch the Detroit Creative Corridor Center. The Center will serve as the champion of the Road to Renaissance Creative Economy Initiative, spearheaded by former Detroit Renaissance, and will serve as a "hub" for the creative community by connecting creative businesses with business programs and services from around the region.

"This grant would not have been possible without the efforts of Congressman John Conyers, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, and Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin," said Doug Rothwell, president & CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan. "We are thankful for their continued support of this important economic development initiative and their recognition of its potential to positively impact our region."

"I am a strong supporter of this initiative because I know how important is to have a center for innovative business ideas to foster and flourish," said Congressman John Conyers, Jr. "The federal funding used to establish the Detroit Creative Corridor Center is a sound investment in our community's future."

"While Detroit has been painfully struck with the blight of unemployment in this recession, I'm optimistic that programs like the Detroit Creative Corridor Center can help turn this great city around," said Senator Levin. "I will keep fighting to support programs like these that will grow business in Michigan and bring jobs back."
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"As we work to bring new businesses and jobs to Michigan, investments in programs such as the Detroit Creative Corridor are vital to those efforts," said Senator Stabenow. "The Road to Renaissance Initiative will help stimulate economic development in the Detroit region by connecting business leaders in our creative community and other community leaders with potential investors. I am pleased to have been able to help secure funding for this program."

Rothwell said that the funds will be used to help hire a director and fund the program for two to three years. The last of the Road to Renaissance initiatives to be implemented, the Detroit Creative Corridor Center will provide leadership for the creative community through outreach activities such as professional networking and business programs for creative businesses, associations and workers. These activities and programs will include helping companies build their business, improve their pitch, identify and approach other businesses for sales or partnership opportunities, improve industry-specific marketing and sales strategies, and connect with potential investors. Business Leaders for Michigan expects to hire a director and launch the center during the first quarter of 2010.