In a move blending faith, innovation, and economic revitalization, ChurchSpace in Detroit has announced the close of a $1.2 million funding round led by Black Ops Ventures, with additional participation from Dug Song of Minor Capital and Michigan Rise.
The tech startup, which builds smart solutions for shared space and logistics through underutilized community infrastructure, helps churches transform their available real estate into purpose-filled spaces for businesses and the community.
In addition, ChurchSpace is relocating its headquarters to Detroit from Houston to further its mission of activating underutilized sacred spaces for modern-day community use.
As part of its national growth, ChurchSpace also has launched a partnership with the City of Detroit to activate church campuses across the city as flexible event spaces, business hubs, and as micro-logistics and last-mile delivery centers.
The partnership is designed to advance economic development, job creation, and community support.
“This raise is more than a business milestone, it’s a testament to what happens when strategy meets faith,” says Emmanuel Brown, Co-CEO of ChurchSpace. “In today’s climate, raising capital takes grit and resilience, especially without deep networks or traditional access.
Through the new model, ChurchSpace states it is equipping churches to host local businesses, pop-up markets, and community events while also serving as fulfillment hubs for food distribution, retail partnerships, and last-mile delivery services.
By using existing, often underutilized real estate inside church campuses — such as fellowship halls, kitchens, and classrooms — ChurchSpace helps create new streams of passive income for churches while helping small businesses reach local consumers faster and more affordably.
“What we built in Houston was more than technology.it was transformation,” says Day Edwards, Founder of ChurchSpace. “We expanded our purpose and packaged proven strategies to help churches thrive, transform communities, and even combat food insecurity.”
Already, churches on the ChurchSpace platform in Texas have generated up to $100,000 annually in new revenue; funds that are reinvested into ministries, food programs, and community initiatives, the startup states.
In Detroit, ChurchSpace projects hundreds of direct and indirect jobs will be created in logistics support, delivery management, event hosting, and technical services.
“We welcome ChurchSpace’s investment in Detroit, and the jobs and innovation it will bring,” says Mayor Mike Duggan. “Our faith community has long been a critical backbone of our neighborhoods. Through ChurchSpace’s groundbreaking work, they will continue to be anchors of opportunity and resilience in our city’s future.”
Churches across Detroit are invited to apply to participate in the pilot program. Selected churches will be onboarded, equipped with new tools for space sharing, revenue generation, and logistics support, and will play a key role in building Detroit’s next chapter of faith-powered economic growth.
“From Motown to ministry, Detroit’s always had soul,” says Song. “ChurchSpace is bringing fresh tech to sacred spaces — helping churches thrive, serve, and connect across communities. We’re proud to support their mission and welcome them to Detroit,”
To kick off the launch, ChurchSpace will host its Detroit Pastor Meetup on July 19, 2025 — an invitation-only lunch for pastors and church administrators to learn about ChurchSpace’s model, share their needs, and begin building customized community solutions.
Interested churches can RSVP at RSVP LINK
For more information about ChurchSpace, visit bookchurchspace.com.
