DDF Small Business Program Re-Imagined

By the end of this project, we want an elevator pitch and a set of key talking points, along with a light review of our existing mission statement, that together give Detroit Development Fund clear, consistent language for describing who we are, what we do, and the impact we've had. We are not looking to change our mission statement itself, though we would welcome input on how well it aligns with the rest of the messaging. This messaging is meant to serve as the foundation for our broader communications work, including our website and marketing materials, which we plan to pursue as separate, later projects once this messaging is in place.

Specific deliverables would include: 1) a review of our current mission statement to confirm it aligns with the rest of our messaging; 2) an elevator pitch we can use in funder and partner conversations; and 3) a set of key talking points covering our programs, impact, and partnerships that our team can draw on consistently across proposals, our website, and outreach.

Success would look like messaging that accurately reflects the scope and impact of our work, is easy for funders, partners, the community, and borrowers to understand, and gives our team language we can use immediately in funder outreach and grant proposals rather than drafting from scratch each time. Longer term, success means this messaging becomes the consistent foundation for the website redesign and marketing materials we plan to pursue next.

Organization Mission

Detroit Development Fund invests in the people and communities in the City of Detroit to create economic equity and a healthy environment. Our goal is to have an impact through our various programs on the revitalization of Detroit businesses and neighborhoods. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in underserved Detroit neighborhoods and for Detroit residents.