Global Detroit is an effort to revitalize Metro Detroit’s economy by pursuing strategies that strengthen Detroit’s connections to the world by making the region more attractive and welcoming to immigrants, internationals, and foreign trade and investment. Since 2010, Global Detroit has helped connect over $6.5 million in philanthropic, corporate, and government investments with over a half dozen ambitious initiatives since completing an initial Global Detroit study in 2010. These initiatives include the first international student retention program in the country, Global Talent Retention Initiative of Michigan; the most active state chapter of Welcoming America’s 22 local affiliates, Welcoming Michigan; a neighborhood revitalization strategy that removes obstacles for entrepreneurs to rebuild their local economy, ProsperUS Detroit; and a network of the more than 100 nonprofit service organizations in the Detroit metropolitan region designed to facilitate access to integration services for newcomers to the state, Welcome Mat Detroit. Additionally, Global Detroit has worked with Upwardly Global to serve skilled immigrants and refugees to connect them to careers in their professions.

Global Detroit is a powerful contribution to Detroit’s rebirth. It has established itself as a key innovator and doer in the revitalization of the regional economy, and as a national leader in immigrant economic development. The organization’s efforts leverage the innovation and entrepreneurship offered by immigrant communities to grow the regional economy and help Detroit to reclaim its place as a thriving world-class city.

Global Detroit in the Press

Reports and Publications