The Power of Trusted Connectors in Micro-Enterprise Development

Rezaul Chowdhury
Rezaul Chowdhury

As Global Detroit’s community engagement specialist in Banglatown, Rezaul Chowdhury is a liaison and a problem solver — or what we call a “trusted connector.” What does that mean? That means every day, he is out in the community helping small business owners and community members navigate matters big and small to help them get the resources they need and deserve. Why does it matter? It matters because a connected community is a strong community. Rezaul is helping his neighbors thrive, which in turn helps strengthen our entire city and region. How does he do it? With help from illustrator extraordinaire Dave Chow, let us count the ways!

DRawing of Rezaul next to parked car with this text: “The City of Hamtramck installed new parking meters on Jos. Campau. You used to use coins but they changed it to very high-tech. People don’t know this arrow thing, how to put their credit card number, all this stuff. If you are expired the machine will take your picture and send the bill to your home. You don’t even know if you get a ticket or not. So people get scared of this thing and just avoid it, and businesses are losing business.” Rezaul became a liaison between the business owners and the City Manager and City Council. He helped negotiate a reduction in the fine, an increase in the grace period and shortening of the hours of operation. He also created a series of Facebook videos demonstrating how to use the new machines.