Growing Businesses, Strengthening Families
Billi by 35 is an economic campaign to generate $1 billion in new revenue growth from historically underrepresented-owned businesses across Kent County through intentional support across the full business lifecycle. Measurement is increased revenue, not grants or donations.
Where there is a gap, there is opportunity.
Billi by 35 exists to bridge systemic gaps in business ownership so more entrepreneurs can start, grow, and sustain businesses that build thriving family income, strengthen community wealth, and expand economic mobility across Kent County.
We envision a Kent County where business ownership is accessible, navigable, and achievable for all, and where every entrepreneur has a fair opportunity to build lasting wealth, create jobs, and help their community prosper.
For every $100 of revenue generated in Kent County, underrepresented businesses account for just 58 cents.
Revenue Generated by Employer-Based Businesses
Kent County
Michigan
United States
- ›Kent County has not captured a meaningful share of Black-owned business growth, indicating local movement is not keeping pace with broader trends.
- ›While Michigan is experiencing increased growth and opportunity, Kent County continues to lag behind statewide progress.
At the current rate of change, it would take Latino-owned businesses nearly 800 years to reach parity in Kent County, and it's unlikely that Black-owned businesses ever will. A passive approach will not close the gap. Intentional action is required to accelerate equitable outcomes.
Data from the US Census Annual Business Survey, 2017 & 2022. KConnect analysis of 2022 Annual Business Survey data.
A specific ask for every audience
Billi by 35 works when each part of the ecosystem makes a measurable, time-bound commitment. Here's the ask.
Move 15 historically underrepresented-owned businesses past the $500K revenue mark in the next 24 months, tracked through a shared measurement dashboard.
Create 5 new contracts and procurement opportunities with historically underrepresented-owned businesses over the next year.
Fund the shared measurement infrastructure of Billi by 35 and invest in outcomes-based reporting for three years.
Align economic development policies with Billi by 35 outcomes, remove regulatory barriers, and report progress publicly.
Engage support, share stories, and report revenue growth as the heart of this campaign.
Advance local historically underrepresented-owned businesses through intentional and consistent purchasing decisions.
Testimonials and endorsements from ecosystem partners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders will be featured here.
How 400+ businesses reach $1 billion
The $1 billion goal is reached through individual businesses growing revenue at every stage of their lifecycle. When 400+ businesses across all six stages receive the right support at the right time, their combined revenue growth totals $1 billion.
Start
Transition the entrepreneur from concept to implementation
Grow
Move established firms to the next stage of growth
Build
Develop businesses with high growth potential, building up to and beyond $1M
Acquire
Business ownership through the acquisition of existing firms
Attract
Draw in major businesses to the area
Sell
Sell profitable businesses to fund the launch of the next venture
Combined revenue growth across all six stages: $1 billion by 2035.
Map the Gap
Identify what is needed at each stage, how many businesses, how much capital, and what types of support.
Assign the Pieces
Each organization signs up for its specific commitment. Not a general pledge, but a measurable, time-bound number tied to their stage of the continuum.
Track Publicly
A shared dashboard shows progress in real time. Everyone can see who is meeting their commitments, where gaps remain, and where the system needs adjustment.
Celebrate & Adjust
Use what the data shows to recognize progress and address gaps in real time. Adjust strategies quickly so the system continues to improve.
The history behind Billi by 35
The Business Ownership Align & Design Team is a group of leaders from business, philanthropy, government, and community organizations working to strengthen Kent County's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, they're working to build a more inclusive economy by expanding opportunities for all entrepreneurs to start, grow, and sustain businesses — driving family income, community wealth, and economic mobility across Kent County.
Business Ownership Align & Design Team is formed. Cross-sector partners convene.
Business Ownership Align & Design Team visits Cincinnati Business Excellerator for insights around their proven model.
KConnect contracts with the Cincinnati Business Excellerator, and measurement conversations begin.
$1 billion goal emerges. Billi by 35 is voted on & affirmed by the Business Ownership Align & Design Team and by the KConnect Network at the Accountability Partners Council convening.
A future where every child and family has the opportunity and support to thrive, no matter their starting point.
We connect people, organizations, and data to mobilize collective action for lasting systems change.
- ›KConnect advances equitable outcomes across the cradle-to-career continuum, from early childhood through thriving family income.
- ›The Billi by 35 campaign is grounded in our Thriving Family Income focus area, where progress is measured through key indicators such as employment, sustaining wages, career advancement, and business ownership.
- ›Billi by 35 is a strategy to advance systems-level change in business ownership by expanding opportunity and reducing barriers to underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Growing businesses. Strengthening families.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a funder, a business leader, or a civic partner, there's a measurable commitment with your name on it.