The Hustle is back! This dynamic, award-winning project was launched in 2022 to celebrate Detroit’s entrepreneurs and the powerful stories behind their businesses. Presented by The Gilbert Family Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the second round of The Hustle will once again spotlight Detroit’s neighborhood innovators through an engaging series of exhibitions and public programs at the Detroit Historical Museum.
We’re looking for 30 new business owners of color in any industry and at any stage in their careers. Businesses (if brick and mortar) or business owners must be based in Detroit. Note that all nominees will be recognized, even if they’re not chosen for the final exhibit.
So what does Detroit’s hustle look like? From some of our first-round honorees:
“It's just that determination, that drive to keep going, push yourself, keep pushing yourself, even though it don't look like this is paying off. You got to keep pushing.” - Khali Sweeney, Downtown Boxing Gym
"I've got to get this done and I've got to make it happen. It's a lifestyle for me. Every single day, I'm not punching somebody's clock. You're your own inspiration every day.” - Luci Butts, Chilled Peels
“If you want it, you have to know that you're the best at it and you have to go into every opportunity like that is an audition for the next opportunity. And you can't expect that that next opportunity is going to be it. You have to stay hungry and ambitious and you have to be willing to think outside the box.” - Carl Hollier, D.J. Invisible
Help us find the next round of entrepreneurs showing their hustle and making an impact on their communities by voting online or submitting a paper ballot at the Detroit Historical Museum! Nominations close on April 26, 2026.