N
ight of Innovation and Bet on Dearborn Resource Expo
DEARBORN – The city will host a high-energy, two-part event designed to spark creativity and fuel the local economy. The community will gather May 12 and 13 to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship through the Dearborn Night of Innovation and the Bet on Dearborn Resource Expo at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.
Night 1: The Night of Innovation, May 12
The festivities kick off with an evening dedicated to inspiration and high-stakes competition at the Dearborn Night of Innovation presented by the city and the American Arab Chamber of Commerce. Five finalists will take the stage to battle it out for a life-changing $42,000 in funding to scale their business dreams.
The evening begins with a networking reception at 5 p.m. featuring live music, allowing attendees to connect before moving into the Michael A. Guido Theater for the main event. Guests will enjoy a premier culinary experience catered by local favorites: Birdie’s Restaurant, EGG BAR, Bakri Coffee, and a stunning dessert display by Dearborn Balloon Decor.
The competition begins at 6 p.m. inside the theater.
Business ideas will be assessed by a panel of judges:
• Bilal Hammoud — executive director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce.
• Myka Burley — associate director, Talent Development & Programming, Michigan Central Innovation District.
• Karl Makky – co-owner, Birdie’s | EGG BAR | Unburger | Boardwalk (opening soon).
• Frederick Paul II — associate director, New Economy Initiative
• Stephanie Peña, AICP — senior community planner, Michigan Economic Development.
Guests can also participate in the action by voting in-person for three additional business ideas for the People’s Choice Award by 7:15 p.m.
The Night of Innovation is made possible through supportive partners, including the Song Foundation, Walmart Foundation, The New Economy Initiative, Comerica Bank, Birdie’s, EGG BAR, Boardwalk, Bakri Coffee, Tejara, and additional event partners.
Night 2: Bet on Dearborn Resource Expo, May 13
The COMPAC will be transformed into a massive resource hub featuring over 80 vendors, including non-profits, businesses, and community organizations—all ready to provide the tools necessary for local success.
Key Highlights include:
• The Dearborn Works Showcase: Celebrate graduates of the Dearborn Works program as they display their products and share their journeys toward successful program completion.
• The Fun Factory: A dedicated space for the next generation of innovators, featuring partners focused on STEM, education, and creativity for youth.
• The Main Stage Panel: Moderated by the dynamic Bryce the Third, this headline discussion features a diverse group of business leaders sharing the “real talk” behind their professional journeys.
Panelists:
• Karl Makky — co-owner, Birdie’s | EGG BAR | Unburger | Boardwalk
• Ebony Cochran — founder & CEO of The Debt Survivor Founder of Blackwood Credit Services + The Detroit Wealth Club
• Ali Bakri — owner of Bakri Coffee
• Hanan Jaffar — founder of Detroit Halal Eats
Attendees can enjoy refreshments provided by Potato Pit, Bakri Coffee, and Moonhouse LLC.
The expo, hosted by the Dearborn Economic Development Department and supported by DTE Energy, CommonWealth Group, Bakri Coffee and additional event partners, connects aspiring business owners, builders, and more, with industry professionals and knowledgeable city officials. Attendees can learn about essential resources, funding opportunities, marketing advice, and expert guidance, empowering them to achieve their business goals.
For more information, go to BetonDearborn.com.
