As the countdown to the NFL Draft begins, small businesses across the city are poised to capitalize on the influx of visitors. From custom cookie creators to local eateries, entrepreneurs are gearing up for what promises to be a significant economic boost.
Monroe Street Makeover
The Monroe Street Midway, a familiar sight to locals, is undergoing a dramatic makeover, with 1,200 LED screens and a meticulous seven-phase project breathing new life into the area from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza.
With hotels expected to be sold out not only in downtown Detroit but also across neighboring counties and even into Canada, businesses are preparing for a surge in demand. Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit, estimates that the draft could draw as many as 300,000 to 400,000 attendees, creating a boon for local establishments.
Game Plan for Growth
The magnitude of the event is not lost on locals like Kiersten Johnson, the owner of “Cookies by Kiersten,” a beloved small business that has been serving customized cookies since 2009. For Johnson and many others, the NFL Draft represents more than just a significant economic opportunity.
“All eyes are on us. Let’s go, Detroit,” Johnson exclaimed. To ensure they make the most of this unprecedented spotlight, entrepreneurs like Johnson are attending workshops designed to leverage online tools, particularly Google, to enhance their visibility and accessibility to visitors.
End Zone Endeavors
The economic ripple effect of the NFL Draft is expected to reach far and wide, with small businesses at the forefront of Detroit’s resurgence. Johnson reflects on the city’s current momentum, stating, “Detroit is winning right now. You know, to be able to build upon all of the excitement that’s going on in the city and have a vein in that pulse is just great as a small business owner.”
As the anticipation builds and the city prepares to welcome football fans and enthusiasts from across the globe, Detroit’s small businesses stand ready to leave an indelible mark on this momentous occasion, seizing the opportunity to shine in the spotlight of the NFL Draft.
For more information regarding the NFL draft, check out Fox 2 Detroit and CBS News.
