The Detroit Economic Growth Corp. announced the hiring of Sean Gray as vice president of small business services.
Gray, who brings more than 18 years of experience to the role, will work in partnership with DEGC leadership to elevate the organization’s impact on Detroit’s small business community.
“Sean is known as a fierce and passionate advocate for Detroit’s small business community and will help us find new approaches to supporting entrepreneurs within the city,” says Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the DEGC. “We’re excited to welcome Sean to the DEGC, and our team will benefit from his expertise and breadth of relationships.”
Gray’s role will entail setting leadership and strategy that drive solid results for programs within the department, including Motor City Match, Motor City Re-Store, and BuyDetroit. Additionally, Gray will partner with corporate partners, city officials, state legislators, and federal policymakers to eliminate barriers to funding, knowledge, and equity for small business owners.
“The DEGC has a rich history of supporting Detroit’s small business community — a mission that’s been deeply personal and fulfilling throughout my professional career,” says Gray. “I am excited to continue on a journey of affecting positive change for Detroit’s entrepreneurs who consistently provide innovation and economic growth for our city.”
Before joining the DEGC, Gray served as an economic development specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration during the deployment of unprecedented small business relief programs spurred by COVID-19.
As associate director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in southeast Michigan, he helped grow the program into a network leader in alumni job and revenue growth. His leadership efforts earned him recognition from Goldman Sachs and Babson College.
He earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.
