Marketplace at Cadillac Place

Jennyfer Crawford-Williams, founder of Detroit consulting firm Ask Jennyfer, has a superpower. She can see the potential for new opportunities within Detroit’s historic buildings – like Cadillac Place in the heart of the city’s New Center area. The 1922 Neo-Classical building is more than an architectural gem, it’s a piece of history. Formerly the General Motors Building, it was renamed for Detroit’s founder, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. Marketplace at Cadillac Place will feature 30 small, locally-owned businesses, creating a vibrant marketplace atmosphere from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 2 at Cadillac Place, 3044 W. Grand Blvd. It provides the public a chance to shop local amid the beauty of Cadillac Place. Crawford-Williams is best known as Detroit’s foremost small business advocate. She’s the force behind major events like the bi-annual All Things Detroit event in Eastern Market and her Corktown-based small business hub, All Things Marketplace. Before she ventured into entrepreneurship herself, Crawford-Williams worked right across the street from Cadillac Place. She holds fond memories of seeing classic cars on display in its showroom and attending memorable city events – like the early 2000’s street festival Tastefest - just outside its doors. “When I was approached about being a part of activating this historic space, I jumped at the chance,” she said. “Being an advocate for small businesses, I saw this event as a great opportunity for business owners to reach a broader audience. At the same time, we have the chance to re-energize a very special area of the city of Detroit in a new way.” Marketplace at Cadillac Place will appeal to those who live and work in the city as well visitors. The event will include a food truck, handmade goods, Detroit-themed products and delectable desserts. One of the vendors participating is Zella’s Bakery, founded by sisters Tolani and Maia Anthony who create gourmet desserts inspired by their late grandmother, Ozella Germaine. But they’ve re-envisioned every recipe with high-quality, plant-based and often gluten free ingredients. “This event will give these new and established businesses a wonderful opportunity to come out and meet vendors like Zella's and others - and talk about their own business around the area,” said Maia Anthony. “It's a fantastic networking opportunity for all of us! Plus, you just never know what collaborations can come out of it.” Crawford-Williams has also tapped former Tastefest participants, Black Fok Apparel, to feature their Black culture and clothing line at Marketplace at Cadillac Place. And attendees will meet Mottrepreneurs, a brother and sister duo who created a book of affirmations for kids during the trying times of the Pandemic. “At this event, you will find something for everybody,” said Crawford-Williams. It’s free to attend and the event is open to all ages at Cadillac Place.