The Detroit Historical Society launched The Hustle in 2022 to celebrate Detroit’s unsung entrepreneurs. In an era of box stores and conglomerates, Detroit is full of small businesses that keep the city thriving, many run by owners who are Black or persons of color. Artisans, musicians, chefs, mechanics, and shopkeepers ensure that the everyday wants and needs of Detroiters are met, often with little recognition or support from outside of their neighborhoods.

The first round of The Hustle exceeded expectations: nearly 800 crowd-sourced nominations were submitted, and 73,000+ people visited the Detroit Historical Museum to see the exhibitions featuring our 34 honorees. In addition, thousands of people participated in virtual and in-person programs, including a day-long entrepreneur summit and a black-tie gala. We preserved and shared the honorees’ stories in our collection, a book, and a virtual exhibition. We added context to the history of Detroit's Black business community in our podcast.

Send YOUR suggestions of inspiring Detroit entrepreneurs of color to be featured in the next round of The Hustle. Selected honorees will tell their own stories in a dedicated oral history interview that will become part of the Detroit Historical Society’s permanent collection and be documented in a professional portrait to be displayed in the museum. We're looking for business owners of all ages and genders, in any industry and at any stage in their careers.  

Nominations open on February 19. Get ready to let us know how your pick embodies “the Hustle” in their work and community!

Please note that in order to be eligible for selection, nominees must be Black or other persons of color and businesses (if brick and mortar) or business owners must be based in Detroit. All nominees will be recognized, even if not chosen for the final exhibit. 

Thank you to our presenting sponsors: The Gilbert Family Foundation and John S. and James L. Knight Foundation