Wayne County commissioners voted to approve a three-year grant services contract committing $3,000,000 from the county's general fund special account to TechTown Detroit to establish and manage Elevate Wayne, a countywide business and entrepreneurship program.

Anthony Cartwright, interim director of economic development, said the initiative will give small businesses across Wayne County access to TechTown best practices and partner resources, including Build Institute, Eastern Market Partnership and Black Leaders of Detroit. "The intent is to invest here in Wayne County and throughout Wayne County," Cartwright said, noting preliminary hub locations under discussion such as Livonia, Belleville, Dearborn, Lincoln Park and Westland.

Alexandra Borgeser of TechTown said all subcontractors would be selected through a competitive bidding process. Commissioners pressed staff about program differences from existing county and partner offerings; Cartwright and TechTown representatives said Elevate Wayne focuses on startup development, launch and growth and that the agreement will include key performance indicators and language to encourage businesses to locate and remain in Wayne County.

A motion to approve, moved by Commissioner Kinloch and seconded by Commissioner Baduan, carried on voice/tablet vote. Commissioners requested delivery of KPIs and a one-page summary of the program for distribution to districts ahead of full-board consideration.