Michigan Matters: One-on-one with Rachel Stewart and help for urban entrepreneurs

(CBS) – How did Rachel Stewart go from working in clean energy at the U.S. Department of Energy and the Clinton Foundation to becoming CEO of Gardner-White? She discusses her unique career in a compelling episode of Michigan Matters on CBS Detroit, airing this Sunday.

Gardner-White is a 112-year-old, family-owned furniture retailer, and Stewart is the company’s first woman CEO.

She is also actively involved in the community, including membership in The Parade Company, Business Leaders for Michigan, and the Economic Club of Detroit.

The focus then turns to supporting entrepreneurs as David Tarver, founder of the Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative, and Ned Staebler of TechTown discuss their efforts to support entrepreneurs in Detroit and other cities.

Tarver, originally from Flint, founded Telecom Analysis Systems, which he later sold. He founded the Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative to help entrepreneurs.

Staebler leads TechTown, Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship center, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Staebler talks about the impact of TechTown and how it has helped startups and entrepreneurs across the region.

Both leaders speak about the importance of entrepreneurship in an urban community.

Watch “Michigan Matters” at the new time: Sundays at 5:30 a.m. on CBS Detroit, Sundays at 12:00 p.m. on Detroit 50 (WKBD)

(Carol Cain is the 13-time Emmy award-winning executive producer and host of Michigan Matters)