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Detroit
Detroit works. Business interested in growing and scaling here, available resources, local talent, real estate, and more--take the next step.
Wallpaper Magazine’s 2026 “City of the Year”
Ranked #1 for fast-growing emerging startup ecosystem (Startup genome)
Home to 9 Fortune 500 companies
Boasting over 30 area educational institutions
Highest concentration of commercial and industrial designers in the U.S., alongside one of the nation’s largest and densest pools of engineering talent
More than $2B in major construction projects slated for completion.
The $4.6B Gordie Howe International Bridge project opened another avenue for foot and motor traffic to cross into Canada.
DTW Ranked #2 best airport in the nation (JD Power & Associates)
#1 state for automotive investments and suppliers to major automakers like GM, Ford, and Stellantis
Explore:
Why do business in Detroit?
Whether you’re building a small business, scaling a startup, or leading a Fortune 500 company – there’s good reason to grow in Detroit. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, Detroit continues to break records. So can you.
Detroiters are makers –local talent can design, innovate, and manufacture like no one else. Specifically, Detroit sits at the center of one of the Midwest's most dynamic and rapidly growing talent pipelines — with 30+ area colleges and universities, a workforce of over 2 million across the region, and active investment to develop and retain local talent and meet employer demand.
The region is home to the highest concentration of commercial and industrial designers, the fastest-growing start-up ecosystem, world-renown creatives, and one of the nation's largest and densest pools of engineering talent in the world. And with 200,000+ college students enrolled in metro Detroit's higher education institutions, feeding a talent pipeline across engineering, healthcare, design, business, and emerging technology sectors, there's more where that came from. Not to mention, Detroit's 7,600+ active apprentices, with completions on the rise.
Detroit's workforce is unmatched, and ready to build the future.
Detroit has built one of the most comprehensive small business and corporate support ecosystems of any city — with dedicated district-level liaisons, grant programs, procurement networks, and a city-run economic development corporation that exists specifically to help businesses launch, grow, and stay. We’ll help get you connected to the real estate, resources, and talent you need to get moving.
For small business, programs like Small Business Technology Fund and nationally-recognized Motor City Match scale small business investment locally. In 2025 alone, Motor City Match invested $1.1 million directly in Detroit’s entrepreneurs. Celebrating its 200th ribbon cutting , the grant and technical assistance program connecting small businesses to brick-and-mortar spaces across the city helped to support dozens of new locations opened last year.
Detroit’s fast-growing startup ecosystem includes a network of district business and innovation hubs, including TechTown, NewLab, and Michigan Central, among others. In 2025, Detroit entrepreneurs raised $1.1 billion across 180+ venture deals, with capital in mobility tech, manufacturing automation, fintech, and healthcare leading the way. And entrepreneurs get access to support from programs like Detroit StartUP Fund and more.
Finally, Renaissance Zones offer qualified businesses 100% relief from city income taxes, utility taxes, and most property taxes for up to 10 years — a direct cost reduction, alongside Detroit’s nation-leading talent, competitive real estate, and world-class supply chain, that makes Detroit a most financially attractive locations for businesses choosing to grow right here.
Detroit's commercial real estate market offers a combination that is genuinely rare in any major American city: access to downtown-quality space at more affordable prices, and a cost of living index that makes attracting and retaining employees dramatically more affordable than peer cities.
Average commercial lease rates in Detroit are approximately $18–$21/SF — compared to $50–$80+/SF in Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco — giving businesses the opportunity to lease significantly more space, in better buildings, for a fraction of what they'd pay in other major metros. Today, over 3.6 million square feet of industrial space is currently under construction in Metro Detroit, with the majority pre-leased— a clear signal of the long-term commitments being made in Detroit, and that the pipeline of modern, well-located space that continues to expand.
For talent, Detroit’s cost of living index is 100.6 — significantly more affordable than Chicago (117.6), Seattle (144.6), Boston (148.5), and San Francisco (163.7) — meaning every dollar your employees earn here goes further. And so does your runway.
Detroit muscle powers growth.
Fast-growing industries are scaling, supportive ecosystems are thriving, and the future runs through Detroit.
Real momentum
The nation’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem, continued recognition as one of the country’s “best cities,” and population growth that’s outpacing the national average–that’s real momentum that fast-growing companies, startups, and creatives need. Detroit has got it.
World class talent
Detroit leads with the highest concentration of industrial and commercial designers, nationally-recognized creative talent. and one of the densest concentrations of engineers in the country. Even more, R1 universities and innovation campuses, a nation-leading network of suppliers, and an ongoing legacy of skilled trades means an unmatched workforce at the ready.
FuTURE-READY
Detroit is the largest city in the nation’s top-ranked state for climate resilience. Capital intensive businesses are choosing the Midwest--to avoid extreme weather and access Detroit hard tech expertise. Add in our world-class supply chain, industry leadership from advanced manufacturing to clean energy, creative talent, and nation-leading research institutions – Detroit has the right to win.
Take the next step
Interested in scaling your Detroit business, relocating your company, hiring local talent, or otherwise learning more about the resources, connections, and promise Detroit has to offer: sign up for updates.