Jordi Carbonell & Mellissa Fernandez
Jordi, when did you started Café con Leche, how many employees did you start with, and how many have been promoted?
Café con Leche started in February 2009 at the Scotten location with one employee. Currently, we are working with some contract individuals as well as thinking about bringing on a full-time manager.
Where have you turned to find capital to grow your company and which institutions have provided it?
The Center for Economic Empowerment and Development (CEED) provided us with some start-up capital and has been strong partner for us. They have team in Ann Arbor as well as in Detroit that provide seminars in the Detroit on financing, certification of minority owned businesses as well as host of other services.
What is the impact that your business has made in your community?
The cafe is used for a wide range of events from hosting musicians, showcasing art and housing special events from our local community. We run the business using the theme of: niños, negocios y nuestro arte (children, business and art). We help in fundraising events for local non profits that impact children in the area, as well as host other small businesses to showcase and distribute their products and provide space for art. We try to source most of the products locally and recycle items used in the cafe. We try to publicize the positive activities in S.W. Detroit and that minority owned businesses are taking on their social responsibility.
About Michigan... if you could change one thing about this region, what would it be?
We have a lot of great things in Michigan (spectacular natural resources, talented people and interesting urban areas) but we need to remember that we can be even greater if continue to work together.
What are you plans for the next 2 years?
We are looking at various plans to expand. So keep your eyes on Café con Leche Detroit.