As TechTown Detroit’s 20th anniversary year comes to an end, we reflect on our work as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation and are eager for what’s to come
What an exciting year this has been for our organization! TechTown Detroit celebrated several key milestones, including our 20th year serving Detroit’s entrepreneurs, founders and innovators. Throughout our 20-year history, we’ve prioritized providing accessible workshops, programming and funding, and contributing to an equitable economy for all to participate in. As Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub, we are dedicated to shaping the region and state’s innovation ecosystem to fuel our 21st century future.
We are proud to be the central hub of the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem for 20 years now, alongside Wayne State University.
Our expansion into Wayne County
Over our 20-year history, TechTown has grown from solely supporting tech-based spinoffs from Wayne State to elevating neighborhoods businesses, tech startups and commercial corridors across Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Throughout 2024, we’ve taken steps to expand our work into all of Wayne County.
We now offer our Small Business Services and Tech-based Programs to all entrepreneurs and founders residing in Wayne County or who a business located in Wayne County. From support for small business owners looking to open a brick-and-mortar to rising tech founders with the next big innovation, we have a variety of opportunities to help entrepreneurs develop, launch and grow their ventures.
On a larger scale, TechTown is a partner on the Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) Grant Program, which is designed to support first- and second-stage businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. TechTown was an awardee of the SBSH Grant, funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to serve eligible small businesses in Wayne County. Alongside our partners BUILD Institute, Eastern Market, Michigan SBDC and ProsperUS Detroit, we’ll provide free programming, courses, events and more.
Supporting the community where it needs us
As an entrepreneurship hub, we are always determining ways to meet the needs of the communities we serve. That’s why this year, we launched TechTown Ops+, our custom suite of HR and financial support services for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Ops+ offers administrative services including payroll and benefits administration, talent management, compliance and more. We prioritize a hands-on, human-centric approach to streamlining processes so entrepreneurs can focus on strategically growing their business.
New look, same mission
TechTown remains dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and creating equitable opportunities. As we celebrated our 20th anniversary this year with a commemorative logo, we look forward to launching an exciting rebrand as our organization heads into its next monumental era.
Next year, we may introduce a new look, but our mission remains the same: to create equity through opportunity and build community wealth through entrepreneurship. We look forward to serving our community for years to come and driving equitable and sustainable economic prosperity so all Detroiters can benefit and thrive.
