Keeping Detroit’s Heart Beating Strong
At The Color Bloc, every can of paint we mix and every mural we help bring to life carries a little piece of Detroit in it. Being a small business here isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. Our roots run deep in this city, and we’re proud to be part of a community built on creativity, grit, and connection.
Our story begins with our parent company, Banner Sign Co, a longtime Detroit business that’s been designing and producing signs across the city for decades. Through Motor City Match, a program that supports Detroit entrepreneurs in launching and growing their dreams, Banner was able to help The Color Bloc come to life. That support gave us the chance to build a space where artists, homeowners, and contractors can find inspiration—and where Detroit’s creative community can continue to thrive.
Small Businesses Are Everything
At The Color Bloc, being a small business in Detroit means everything to us. It means knowing our customers by name, watching local artists turn blank walls into stories, and feeling the heartbeat of a city that never stops creating.
This Small Business Saturday, we’re hosting Blackout the Bloc—a celebration of Detroit’s makers, dreamers, and doers. It’s a day to explore the incredible small businesses that make our neighborhoods vibrant and strong.
If you’re looking to keep your dollars local this weekend, here are just a few Detroit gems we love supporting:
🏃♀️ RUNdetroit LLC – The city’s first and only running and walking specialty store, helping Detroiters stay active and connected. (3573 2nd Ave, Midtown, District 6)
🌮 Shell Shock’d Tacos LLC – Serving up bold, Latin-inspired Detroit street food that’s as creative as the city itself. (418 W Willis, Midtown, District 6)
🥣 Hot Bones Detroit LLC – An infrared movement studio and bone broth bar—one of the most innovative wellness spaces in the country. (2895 E Grand Blvd, Milwaukee Junction, District 5)
Urbanum Detroit – A beautifully curated home goods and lifestyle shop celebrating modern Detroit design. (6545 Woodward Ave, New Center)
- ☕The Sepia Coffee Project – A Detroit-based roastery rooted in culture and connection. (2831 E Grand Boulevard, Milwaukee Junction)
We also want to shout out Colin Detroit, who’s taking action to help out local restaurants and small businesses by sharing their stories and connecting them with other creatives who want to help businesses grow. If you’re a local business owner, take a moment to fill out this form and share your story—it’s a great way to strengthen our network and make sure every voice in Detroit’s business community is heard.
Detroit’s small business scene thrives because we lift each other up. We’re constantly inspired by the people and projects that pour back into the community—like Detroit is Everybody, a movement that celebrates the unity, creativity, and hustle that make this city special.
So this Small Business Saturday, we invite you to Blackout the Bloc with us—not by turning away, but by showing up for the businesses that make Detroit one-of-a-kind. Every local purchase keeps our community strong and colorful, one brushstroke at a time.


