Building a Local Entrepreneurial Eco-System

Join the People First Economy team as we dive into how to build a local entrepreneurial eco-system of support with Charity Dean!

About the Presenter:

Charity Dean, is the President and CEO of the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA). After earning a political science degree from Oakland University, Charity graduated from the University of Detroit Law School. Before founding MBBA, Charity served in Mayor Duggan's cabinet as Director of Civil Rights addressing civil rights violations and supporting small and minority-owned businesses. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she led the city's small business response. This momentum led her to co-found the MBBA, serving over 2,000 Black business members and facilitating access to over $10 million in funding.

Charity owns Rosa, a cafe in Grandmont Rosedale, with a second location opening on the Detroit Riverfront in fall 2024. Rosa is named after her great-grandmother, who faced racial injustices moving into Rosedale Park. Charity serves on the Citizens Research Council, Detroit Women’s Leadership Network, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, State Bar of Michigan and Wolverine Bar Association, the state's largest association of Black attorneys.

In 2024, Charity was named a Game Changer by Ilitch Sports & Entertainment and awarded the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Innovator of the Year. She was also honored as a Trailblazer by Alpha Kappa Alpha Lambda Pi Omega Chapter. Previously, she was recognized as one of Crain’s , 40 under 40 and 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan and one of Axios' 8 Most Influential Leaders in Detroit in 2022 and Detroit Free Press Shining Light Award in 2020.

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