Small businesses have a large impact on our communities by creating jobs, selling goods and services unique to the area, creating economic growth and so much more. As we celebrate Small Business Saturday, we’re highlighting some small businesses in the regions where we live and serve for you to visit, shop and learn about heading into the holiday season.
Founded in 2008, Madcap Coffee Company is headquartered in Grand Rapids and operate their own roasteries and cafes across Michigan. The founder, Trevor Corlett, is an award-winning, nationally recognized barista and trainer. Madcap Coffee has been spotlighted by national media and in competition for its coffees, roasting profiles and innovative drink recipes.
In 2021, Madcap Coffee became DTE’s first CleanVision Natural Gas Balance customer. Madcap’s mission as a specialty roaster is to use the business of coffee to promote positive change, whether that’s making premium coffee more widely accessible or using it to solve big challenges like sustainability.
CleanVision Natural Gas Balance helps customers address their natural gas carbon footprint by providing carbon offsets and supporting the development of renewable natural gas (RNG), which balances the impact of natural gas use.
Located at: 1413 Farmer St, Detroit, MI 48226 | 98 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) is our unique economic development program for downtowns, with a historic preservation philosophy and an emphasis on “sense of place.” We help local government develop their downtowns as vibrant, successful districts that serve as the heart of their communities.
Established in 2000, MSOC is the nation’s first and only county-wide coordinating Main Street program.
Their mission is to maximize the economic potential and to preserve the heritage and sense of place of Oakland County’s historic downtowns and commercial districts by encouraging and facilitating the use of the Main Street Four- Point Approach® that emphasizes comprehensive economic development within the context of historic preservation.
Learn more about how Main Street Oakland County is boosting small business in the community by visiting their website.
In 2012, the idea for a gourmet popcorn in the city arose, so the founders joined multiple small business programs, like Detroit Means Business, to help market Motor City Popcorn. Now, their vision is to continue a brand that represents Detroit in a fun and collective way.
Located at: 7104 W Seven Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48221
North Channel Brewing is located in the historic North Channel Building on Washington St. in Downtown Manistee. Situated next to the Manistee River and drawbridge, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy one of its many quality craft draft beers, while taking in the views of downtown, the bridge, and the occasional freighter passing through.
The story of North Channel began back in business owner Ron Ford’s garage in 2010. Ron and his family started brewing beer out of their garage as a hobby to try new flavors and different styles of beer. The beer was a huge hit, and it became a regular tradition to invite family, friends, and neighbors over for a drink after the latest batch was created. North Channel was born out of a desire to keep up that celebration and extend the party to their community: Manistee.
Now, in the brewery’s fifth year of operation, the family decided to balance 100% of their natural gas use through DTE’s CleanVision Natural Gas Balance.
Located at: 86 Washington St, Manistee, MI 49660
Wolverine Pickleball welcomes players of all skill levels to join our community of pickleball enthusiasts. Their approach is personal. They make sure that each player is matched to their level of play, that every visitor has a positive experience, and that members are comprised of people who care about everyone having a great time. Whether you are a core player honing your skills, a casual player seeking social play, or a newbie learning the game, you have a home at Wolverine Pickleball.
Founders Leslie White and Christy Howden are so hooked on pickleball, they opened their own pickleball facility, adopting the Michigan Wolverine from their home state as their namesake.
Wolverine Pickleball recently competed in DTE’s 2022 Bright Ideas for Neighborhoods Competition for a chance to win $18,000 in cash prizes.
Located at: 119 Jackson Industrial Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Xochi’s Gift Shop is a family owned and operated gift shop located in the heart of Mexicantown in Detroit. Since 1985, Xochi’s has been bringing a piece of Mexico to the city, specializing in Mexican imports with products ranging from handmade crafts, Mexican folk art, clay pottery, Aztec deco, Day of the Dead art and more. The items are hand-picked and bought directly from artisans in various towns and markets in Mexico.
Located at: 3437 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
Zingerman’s Deli opened in 1982 by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig in a historic building near the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market. The deli serves up thousands of made-to-order deli sandwiches with ingredients like premium Black Angus corned beef and pastrami, free-range chicken and turkey, house made chopped liver and chicken salad. Zingerman’s Deli also stocks an exceptional array of farmhouse cheeses, unique olive oils, varietal bottles of vinegar, smoked fish, artisan salami and ham, locally roasted coffee, exquisite teas and a vast selection of chocolate. Today, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is an Ann Arbor institution, the source of great food and great experiences for thousands of visitors every year.
Located at: 422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Whether you’re and about on Small Business Saturday or shopping throughout the holiday season, make sure to stop by your local small businesses to show support.