At ProsperUs, we’ve built a dynamic team from diverse backgrounds who know what it takes to be an entrepreneur, who have experienced some of the same barriers, and who work alongside the people we serve as mentors and collaborators. We’ve also fostered partnerships with more than twenty trusted neighborhood organizations to deliver training, and we’ve worked closely with national partners to utilize innovative support and lending strategies.
Now ten years since our first training program launched, ProsperUs has invested a combined $5.2 million in microloans, professional services, and technical assistance to over 1,400 entrepreneurs. 98% of them are entrepreneurs of color. And over the last few years we’ve hit our stride. We’ve tripled our budget and expanded our lending capital fivefold since 2020. We’ve launched a financial coaching program and found new ways to support entrepreneurs with customized and flexible help when and where they need it.
None of this would be possible without our courageous entrepreneurs and their dreams for the future. For some, that extra income from self-employment will cover the expenses of daycare or summer camps. For others, a more profitable business will lead to the purchase of a home or commercial property that can create generational wealth. And yet for others, the vision for the future means hiring a team and creating good, stable jobs for our community.
Just imagine that every would-be entrepreneur has the resources and support to launch and expand their business. Imagine what our neighborhoods would look like, imagine the impact on public safety, on our health and education systems. Imagine the stories we would get to tell our grandchildren, and imagine the possibilities they would then dream of and work towards. Imagine the ripple effects throughout Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, and beyond.
So please, as we celebrate the last 10 years, envision 10 years from now, and keep building a future for yourself and a future for us.
INTRODUCTION
What we do
no matter what stage they’re in and no matter their needs.
Our Entrepreneurs are...
entrepreneur stories
Where we've been
Where We're Going
Our Financials
Balance Sheet
Income Statement
Acknowledgements
ProsperUs is possible because of the vision and dedication of a key group of early champions who collaborated to bring our work to life. We honor the catalyzing contributions of Southwest Solutions, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, New Solutions Group, and SYN Associates.
Community Partners
Neighborhood nonprofits are pivotal partners that help recruit entrepreneurs, provide space for training sessions, and support their ongoing growth in collaboration with ProsperUs.
Current
Central Detroit Christian CDC
Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance
Dream of Detroit
Eastside Community Network
Detroit Eastside Ford Resource and Engagement Center
Global African Business Association
Grace in Action Collectives
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation
Leanna Hicks Public Library of Inkster
Past
Asesoría para tu Negocio
Bridging Communities
Congress of Communities
Escuela Avancemos
Focus: HOPE
Freedom House
Genesis Hope
Global Detroit
Northeast Guidance Center
Recovery Park
SER Metro
Syrian American Rescue Network
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives
U-Snap-Bac
Vanguard Community Development
Vista Partnership
Major funders
African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
Ally Charitable Foundation
Anonymous Donor
Bank of America
CDFI Fund – US Department of Treasury
Citizens Bank
Comerica Charitable Foundation
Craig and Kathryn Hall Foundation
Desai Sethi Foundation / Samvid Ventures
Fifth Third Foundation
Ford Foundation
Ford Motor Company Fund
Gilbert Family Foundation
Intuit Inc.
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
Max & Marjorie Fisher Foundation
New Economy Initiative
PNC Foundation
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Rocket Community Fund
SBA PRIME
US Congress – Congressional Community Project
Wells Fargo
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Board of Directors
Steven Kosuda, Chair
Pierre Batton, Vice Chair
Kimberly Faison, Secretary
Steve Tobocman, Treasurer
Hector Hernandez, Director
Don Jones, Director
Veronika Scott, Director
Past Board Members
Richmond Hawkins
John Schoeniger
Michelle Sherman
Joseph M. Tasse
