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FeaturedAbout This Project
Name:
Ezekiel Harris
Website:
Title:
Executive Director
How long have you been in operation:
Since 2010
What inspired you to start your business?
MACC Development was started from the Mack Avenue Community Church as a way to build on the program they were already doing in the community and seek new opportunities to care for residents in the 48214.
What are some struggles you faced when trying to achieve your goals?
We have a very unique and diverse community with neighborhoods that don’t always get the opportunity to connect and get to know one another. Trying to promote unity and celebrate our diversity as been both a challenge and blessing.
What is one of your most notable triumphs?
Since 2010 we have served hundreds of youth annually through our sports and literacy initiatives, renovated multiple homes to be sold to residents, and most recently are in the process of renovating a 12,000 sq ft building to a state of the art community center and launch of a business called The Commons, a cafe/laundromat.
What is one piece of advice you would give to those who want to be entrepreneurs?
To be successful you need to push past conventional wisdom if you see a problem worth solving and have an appetite for risk.
Where do you envision your business and Detroit in 10 years?
We see The Commons as the first domino in the revitalization of the Mack Avenue corridor, and in 10 years we see more public spaces available to residents, other neighborhood serving businesses and walkable/bikeable streets that are welcoming to all.
Finish this sentence: Detroit needs…
To continue to lift up the risk-takers and dreamers who wish to change the status quo our community and create a different narrative through projects, programs and people.