Participants in the first cohort, which includes up to 25 local businesses, will each receive their own dedicated online page(s) that feature products and/or services on the “Shop Southwest Detroit” e-commerce platform. Customers will be able to make purchases online that will integrate directly into an existing or new Point of Sale (POS) system for each participating business. The initiative also will be supported by retargeting integration and social media campaigns to help build awareness and drive customers to the platform. “Shop Southwest Detroit” will officially launch to customers on “Black Friday,” Fri., November 27 via www.southwestdetroit.com/shopsouthwestdetroit.

“Bank of America is committed to assisting small business owners address economic
challenges and help fuel growth” said Matt Elliott, Michigan market president, Bank of America. “Our support of the Southwest Detroit Business Association and its Shop Southwest Detroit E-Commerce Initiative will generate new opportunities to advance local businesses by helping them cross the digital divide and creating new, online destinations for their customers.
This program is a win-win for the community and for our work at Bank of America.”

The list of participating businesses includes: All About Technology; Alvarez Designs; Antojitos, El Catracho Restaurant; El ArteSano Juice& Café Bar; Detroit Forever 313; ESI Hardware Store; Hacienda Mexican Foods; Joyeria Panchos; La Jaliciense Supermercado & Taqueria; La Palapa del Parian; La Posada; La Terraza; London Consulting; Los Altos Restaurant; Lotus Essences; Neveria Guadalajara; Quince Primaveras; SDBA Gift Shop; Sicily’s Pizzeria & Subs; TS Designs; and Xochi’s Gift Shop.

The SDBA annually serves more than 300 businesses and entrepreneurs representing restaurants and other food service providers, retailers, health care, manufacturing and human services industries. The businesses in the Southwest Detroit service area are often immigrant-owned as well as minority- and women-owned enterprises.

“Our business owners often do not have the formal training to prepare traditional business plans or even maintain ongoing accounting support relationships, which would allow them to respond to economic pressures quickly,” said Dewaelsche. “They often face language and cultural barriers, as well. And yet, our business owners recognize opportunities for growth and are willing to try new strategies when presented with an opportunity that is within their economic capacity. We are proud to help them overcome the hurdles they are often confronted with in their daily business practices.”

For more information about the SDBA and its “Shop Southwest Detroit” program, write to info@southwestdetroit.com.