Entrepreneurship Takes Center Stage During Discussion on Detroit Revitalization
Can entrepreneurship thrive in an economy formerly dominated by industrial muscle? That was the question posed to Matt Cullen, Rock Ventures Chief Operating Officer; Randal Charlton, executive director, TechTown; and Chanell Scott, CEO, Guffly.com during a roundtable discussion held Nov. 6 at the “Time Project Detroit House,” located near Detroit’s Indian Village community.
The event, videotaped and slated to air in the next few weeks on CNNMoney.com, focused on whether entrepreneurialism is the key to a revived Detroit. Panel members discussed the role that Detroit once played and the future role it can play through the creation of new economy jobs, agreeing that the brain drain can only be stopped by developing and growing high-tech, scalable companies in the region, and by creating an attractive, vibrant downtown area where young innovators will be willing to base their businesses.
While at General Motors, Cullen was instrumental in bringing the automaker to the Renaissance Center, and he talked about the importance of attracting new business, and its employees, to Detroit. The relocation of Quicken Loans headquarters to the City next spring will help, he said, however there is no “one” answer. “ A vital Detroit is important to the region, and we’re making progress,” said Cullen, noting the “reclaiming” of Detroit’s waterfront and the investment of private funds to create a light-rail line on Woodward Avenue.
In the photo above, Matt Cullen (Rock Ventures), Randal Charlton (TechTown) and Chanell Scott (Guffly) join moderator Jessica Brudder in a panel discussion about entrepreneurship and the revival of Detroit.














