An annual survey by the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. shows that its D2D Business program, which encourages local firms to buy goods and services from Detroit-based businesses, is boosting business here.
The latest survey released this week showed a 31% increase in local business-to-business purchasing in Detroit from the previous survey a year earlier.
"The scale of the increase shows how deeply committed major Detroit purchasers are to look for quality suppliers here in Detroit," said Brian Watkins, D2D program manager at DEGC. "It also demonstrates that Detroit-based suppliers have a lot to offer -- not just to other Detroit companies, but customers anywhere."
Through D2D, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation connects Detroit companies with local suppliers through the Pure Michigan Connect database, as well as conducting buyer-supplier events and offering the expertise of DEGC's business development professionals.
For more information, visit www.d2dbusiness.org.
"When buyers and suppliers located in Detroit work together it's a win for everyone including the city itself," Watkins said.
David Egner, Executive Director of the New Economy Initiative said, "One of the best tools we have for growing the economy is the purchasing power we have right here in Detroit. We're thrilled to support D2D as they not only help employ that purchasing power, but ready the small businesses community to better take advantage of it."
Ken Doherty, assistant vice president of procurement and strategic sourcing for Wayne State University, said, "Our involvement with D2D has been very positive. We've had a significant increase in spend in Detroit since this initiative began."
