Southwest Detroit leaders gather June 26 to discuss Southwest Detroit’s economic future

DETROIT — As Southwest Detroit continues to attract new investment, foster a thriving small business community and prepare for future opportunities tied to major infrastructure and economic development projects, business owners, community leaders and elected officials will gather June 26 for the 2026 Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) Community Investment Breakfast.

Held from 8-10 a.m. at The Corner Ballpark, 1680 Michigan Ave. in Detroit, the annual event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, nonprofit leaders and public officials to discuss the future of one of Detroit's most dynamic economic corridors while celebrating the businesses and community champions helping drive its growth. The event is expected to draw approximately 200 business, civic and community leaders from across the region.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield will offer greetings and remarks during the program. Additional speakers include SDBA Board Chair Luis Ali, president and CEO of AGI Construction Solutions, and Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Moreno. Together, they will participate in a discussion on economic development, entrepreneurship and opportunities shaping Southwest Detroit's future.

"For nearly seven decades, SDBA has worked alongside small businesses, community leaders and residents to strengthen Southwest Detroit," said Brandi Watts, vice president of programs and compliance at SDBA. “This event brings together the people and organizations helping drive growth and opportunity across Southwest Detroit. It's an opportunity to celebrate community leaders, recognize the contributions of our small businesses and continue conversations about the investments and partnerships shaping the future of our neighborhoods.”

For more than 70 years, SDBA has led efforts in community, economic and small-business development across Southwest Detroit. Through collaborative programming and strong partnerships, the organization has supported more than 1,700 small businesses while advancing initiatives in business development, real estate, economic growth and youth engagement through its COMPÁS cultural arts program.

Each year at the Community Investment Breakfast, SDBA recognizes business and community leaders whose contributions have helped strengthen Southwest Detroit.

This year’s honorees are:

Southwest Champion Award — Maria Salinas, founder and executive director of Congress of Communities, recognized for her decades of leadership and advocacy dedicated to improving quality of life and advancing economic opportunity in Southwest Detroit.

Real Estate/Business Investment Award — Rodrigo Padilla, owner of Taqueria El Nacimiento and longtime Southwest Detroit business and property owner, honored for investments that support neighborhood revitalization and long-term economic growth.

Community Investment Award — Frank Venegas Jr., chairman and CEO of Ideal Group, and Sylvia Gucken, assistant to the chairman at Ideal Group, recognized for their longstanding commitment to job creation, economic development and community investment in Southwest Detroit.

Proceeds support small business development and training; placemaking and corridor beautification; youth programming through COMPÁS cultural arts; the new Retail Accelerator and Community Space at La Joya Gardens; and continued advocacy for equitable investment in our community.

This year’s Community Investment Breakfast is supported by a diverse group of sponsors, including Collaborating Sponsors Edw. C. Levy, Fifth Third and Comerica, the Ford Hispanic & Latino Network (FHLN), Ideal Group and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT); Entrepreneurial Spirit Sponsors Ambassador Bridge, Detroit City Football Club, E&L Supermercado, James Group International and Marathon Local Giving; and Community Supporter Sponsors Alliance Catholic Credit Union, Anchor Bay Packaging, Bridgewater Interiors, C.A. Hull, Detroit Cristo Rey, Eminent Excavating, Greener Method Cleaning & Restoration, MexicanTown Bakery, MiSide and Prince Valley Market.

Tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased at www.southwestdetroit.com/community-investment-breakfast. For more information about the SDBA, visit www.southwestdetroit.com.