Motor City Contractor Fund Hosts Rare Networking Event for Detroit Contractors

October 10, 2025

The Gilbert Family Foundation's Motor City Contractor Fund (MCCF) is partnering with Barton Malow and Invest Detroit to host a networking event during National Construction Inclusion Week on October 14, 2025, at Barton Malow's Southfield headquarters. This initiative aims to connect Detroit-based contractors, particularly minority- and woman-owned businesses, with major industry players to help them access opportunities within Detroit's booming construction sector, which currently has over $5 billion in construction and rehabilitation projects underway. The event will feature representatives from numerous organizations including the City of Detroit Land Bank and Detroit Development Fund, providing contractors with direct access to decision-makers and information about available resources to help them compete in the growing market.

Who is affected

Detroit-based contractors (new, growing, or established)
Minority- and woman-owned construction businesses
Subcontractors seeking access to larger project pipelines
Local construction industry participants in Metro Detroit

What action is being taken

MCCF, Barton Malow, and Invest Detroit are hosting a networking event on October 14, 2025
The event is providing contractors direct access to industry leaders and decision-makers
Representatives from major organizations are participating to offer insights and connections
The Motor City Contractor Fund is supporting its third cohort of contractors
Industry leaders are working to break down barriers for contractors from underserved communities

Why it matters

Detroit's construction sector has over $5 billion in projects currently underway
The event creates opportunities for local contractors who have historically faced challenges breaking into large-scale construction projects
It particularly benefits minority- and woman-owned businesses that often feel excluded from major opportunities
The initiative helps ensure Detroit-based businesses are equipped to compete in the rapidly growing market
It strengthens Metro Detroit's contractor base through increased access and visibility to major construction projects

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle