Over 200 attendees at the third annual Passport to Procurement (P2P3) Conference, aiming to address the significant gap in Detroit’s procurement ecosystem
Detroit anchor institutions’ estimated $1.4 billion annual procurement spending offers substantial opportunities for local businesses, yet only a small fraction reaches the city’s more than 400 identified diverse suppliers
Featured high-profile keynote speaker Myisha Boyce, President of MYS Firm and Lead for NFL Source, the league’s supplier diversity program, who encouraged attendees to take control of their future while embracing partnership and collaboration with other small businesses
Major buyers like Detroit Zoological Society, DTE, Comerica Bank, Huntington Place and Henry Ford Health participate to connect with Detroit-based suppliers and explore potential new partnerships
DETROIT (March 6, 2025) – BuyDetroit, an initiative of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) dedicated to supporting small businesses, welcomed over 200 attendees to its third annual Passport to Procurement conference today at Hollywood Casino Detroit.
The conference aims to address the significant gap in Detroit’s procurement ecosystem. With an estimated $1.4 billion in annual addressable procurement spent by Detroit anchor institutions, the opportunity for local businesses is substantial. Currently, only a small fraction of this spending goes to local or diverse suppliers, despite having over 400 diverse suppliers identified across service and goods categories in the city. According to BuyDetroit, 57% of institutional procurement spend is on professional services, 38% on construction and facilities and 5% on supplies and food services
The landmark event, hosted in partnership with the Detroit Zoological Society and MYS Firm, offered dynamic workshops, insightful panel discussions and invaluable networking opportunities, bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and key decision-makers from major institutions. This year’s keynote address, delivered by Myisha Boyce, President of MYS Firm and Lead for NFL Source, the league’s supplier diversity program, highlighted the critical role of strategic procurement in driving business growth and unlocking opportunities for 2025 and beyond.
Boyce delivered an inspiring keynote address on the power of partnership and collective impact. She emphasized how small businesses can band together to create opportunities, offering a fresh perspective on collaboration and growth.
“The Passport to Procurement Conference was a remarkable gathering of innovative minds and industry leaders, where innovative ideas and strategic collaborations took center stage. This event truly redefined the future of procurement, showcasing the power of partnership and forward-thinking solutions,” said BuyDetroit program coordinator Lauryn Johnson. “My hope is that our attendees walked away with a deeper understanding that B2B opportunities not only lie within corporate organizations but also between small business owners, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.”
Boyce’s MYS Firm is a Nevada-based, women- and minority-owned professional services organization specializing in strategic consulting and community engagement. Boyce has spent over a decade leading high-impact initiatives in civic engagement and corporate social responsibility for global companies and government agencies. She was also the representative for the NFL Draft in Detroit, and played a vital role in ensuring that local suppliers and Detroit’s economy were infused through the draft program, NFL Source, which is a procurement initiative designed to expand and standardize how the NFL and its clubs engage with local and underrepresented businesses.
“It is truly an honor to participate in the Passport to Procurement Conference and to witness firsthand the incredible energy and innovation from Detroit's entrepreneurs,” said Boyce. “I want to thank the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation for the invitation to speak today and for their unwavering commitment to empowering small businesses. The vitality of our economy depends on the success of our small businesses. When we invest in them, we are investing in the future, and this event is a perfect example of how collaboration and partnership can unlock opportunities.”
Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage directly with representatives from prestigious corporate purchasing teams, including the Detroit Zoological Society, Comerica Bank, DTE, Henry Ford Health and more. This facilitated meaningful connections and potential business collaborations. Organizers hope by facilitating these interactions between businesses and major institutional buyers, new relationships will lead to new contract opportunities for conference attendees.
Participants also engaged in practical workshops led by Cara Ivy of the City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department and Nilda Thomas, CEO and Chief AI Officer at Business AI Consulting. The sessions provided entrepreneurs with actionable insights on leveraging business certifications to enhance partnerships and exploring innovative AI and automation strategies to streamline procurement fulfillment.
"Every handshake and introduction made here has the potential to transform a small business," said Kevin Johnson, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation President and CEO. “Our goal with Passport to Procurement is to bridge the gap between Detroit’s talented suppliers and the larger institutions that can help them scale.”
BuyDetroit serves as a centralized hub connecting Detroit buyers, suppliers and contractors across industries to new business opportunities. The P2P3 conference builds on its previous events, which have featured FUBU Founder and Shark Tank co-host Daymond John, Gildform CEO Karissma Yve and former Detroit Lions wide receiver Herman Moore, now CEO of Team84 LLC.
DEGC plans to continue growing Passport to Procurement year after year. For businesses looking to participate in future BuyDetroit initiatives, visit degc.org/buydetroit.
About Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC):
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity.
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