Brett Wyler, vice president of economic development at TPMA, presented a primer to the Eastpointe City Planning Commission on small-business ecosystems and how local officials can support enterprise growth.

Wyler referenced the Small Business Administration definition that classifies firms with 500 or fewer employees as small businesses and explained that not all small businesses are the same: micro-enterprises (under five employees), main-street businesses that rely on local customers, scalable startups focused on rapid growth, and mature firms. He said Eastpointe’s current business base is concentrated in micro and main-street enterprises.

Wyler outlined four essential ecosystem components: people and talent (entrepreneurs, employees, mentors), access to capital across the business life cycle (commercial banks, CDFIs, public financing, equity investors), business-support services (technical assistance, mentors, professional services) and markets/anchors (local customers, institutional buyers and supply chains). He added that physical space for businesses is also a critical element.

He stressed the need for a culture of coordination and trust among city government, workforce boards, economic development organizations, anchor institutions and philanthropy to build an environment where local firms can start, survive and scale. Wyler said the consultants will compare Eastpointe’s existing supports against this framework to identify gaps and opportunities for the economic development strategy.

Commissioners asked whether consultants would present findings to City Council; consultants said they had no presentation scheduled but would do so when the analysis is further developed.