Programs & Initiatives

WMBA delivers year-round programming designed to strengthen business readiness and community participation across the West McNichols business corridor and surrounding residential neighborhoods.

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WMBA Pitch Competition Series

COMING SOON (2026)

WMBA’s pitch competition program supports entrepreneurs and early-stage founders with capital access, business exposure, and support services.

A group of people watch a presentation with financial stock market graphs displayed on a large screen behind them.

Culture of Commerce

COMING SOON (2026)

A two-day financial education and generational wealth-building experience. 

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Juneteenth Sidewalk Festival – Storefront Beautification & Business Corridor Activation 

(June 2026)

A business corridor revitalization and storefront marketing initiative.

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Opportunity NOW! Expo – Three-Day Experience

(August 2026)

Community and workforce programming (Friday),
business education and resources (Saturday),
and the culminating Black Tie Awards Dinner & Fundraiser (Sunday).

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Black Tie 10-Year Anniversary Awards Dinner & Fundraiser 2026

(August 2026)

On! Expo brings together, celebrates, and honors Detroit's community and business leaders and the organizations from which they serve. Guests enjoy connections, entertainment, and gourmet dinner provided by chef Lorenzo Spratling, Touch of Class Catering, and Wayne County Community College District Northwest Campus, Culinary and Hospitality Arts Center.

A person in a red coat and another in a blue coat walk past a shop window carrying shopping bags on a snowy street.

Shop Small for the Holidays Campaign

(November–December 2026)

A business corridor marketing and local spending initiative supporting small businesses during the holiday season.