DETROIT GRAND PRIX WELCOMES PARTICIPANTS FOR THIRD ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS STRAIGHTAWAY

DETROIT, Mich. (May 22, 2025) – Embracing local commerce, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear today announced the 15 locally owned and operated businesses selected for this year’s Small Business Straightaway. Returning in 2025 at a new location on Woodward Avenue near Campus Martius Park, the Small Business Straightaway will showcase a dynamic mix of merchants—from innovative startups to long-standing neighborhood favorites—representing all seven districts in the City of Detroit. It marks the third consecutive year for the transformational initiative at the Grand Prix that helps boost to the local economy by inviting event attendees to shop, connect and support Detroit-based entrepreneurs and neighborhood businesses.

The Small Business Straightaway celebrates Detroit’s dynamic enterprising spirit and serves as a cornerstone of the Detroit Grand Prix’s Community Partnership program, which is dedicated to promoting sustainability, arts and culture, small business empowerment, entrepreneurship and youth enrichment in the city. Through the generous support of its Community Partners at American Axle Manufacturing, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Delta Dental, Delta Airlines, DTE Foundation, Henry Ford Health, Huntington Bank and PNC Bank, the Grand Prix has deepened its connection with the community since returning to Downtown Detroit in 2023. Grand Prix Community Partner support helps underwrite the activation and operational costs for all local merchants participating in the Small Business Straightaway.

“With the help of our Community Partners, we’re incredibly proud to shine a spotlight on Detroit’s thriving small business community,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “These entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our city, driving innovation and creating jobs. We’re honored to provide a platform that helps amplify their voices and connect them with race fans. Supporting local businesses is essential to the spirit of the Grand Prix and the future of Detroit.”

The Grand Prix’s Small Business Straightaway will highlight the legacy of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) businesses in Detroit. The Straightaway is designed to advance economic inclusion by uplifting small businesses owned by women, veterans, people of color and those operating beyond the Downtown corridor. With thousands of visitors expected during race weekend, the Grand Prix aims to drive meaningful economic impact not only through increased exposure for Straightaway vendors but also by boosting foot traffic to the more than 260 local businesses located within walking distance of the Streets of Downtown Detroit circuit.

Diverse local businesses like Pink Poodle Bridal and Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce will be featured in the Small Business Straightaway during Grand Prix weekend. Pink Poodle Bridal, owned by Raeshawn Bumphers, is a full-service bridal and formalwear boutique on Detroit’s Northeast side. After spending 20 years in the automotive industry and working as a wedding planner on the side, Bumphers turned her passion into a thriving business. Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce, founded by Detroit native Larry Crockett, offers organic, non-GMO, gluten-free sauces made without high fructose corn syrup crafted from cherished family recipes and a legacy of backyard grilling.

The full list of companies participating in the third edition of the Small Business Straightaway at the Detroit Grand Prix includes: Lorraine's Premium BBQ Sauce, Pink Poodle Bridal, Peteca Mych, Detroit Hives, Detroitorant, George Gregory, Yubehandmade, 8 Ball Imaging Apparel, Jai’s Lemonade Company, Good Cakes and Bakes, Love Travels Imports, Phil Simpson The Smile Brand, Pawstries, DeMaciiio and Detroit Forever 313.

Building on the success of the most sustainable events in Detroit Grand Prix history in 2023 and 2024, the 2025 event aims to raise the bar even higher with expanded eco-friendly initiatives, continued community engagement, enhanced youth development programs and unwavering support for small businesses. When it returned to the Streets of Downtown Detroit after more than three decades, the 2023 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear became the first event in Michigan, and the first motorsports event in the world, to earn gold-level certification from the Council for Responsible Sport. The Grand Prix once again achieved the honor in 2024.