Contact:  Kristin Palm
Date: April 19, 2017
Phone: (313) 483-1326
Email: kpalm@wayne.edu
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Applications for 2017 Retail Boot Camp open April 24
Program helps promising Detroit retailers launch brick-and-mortar businesses

TechTown Detroit will be accepting applications for its 2017 Retail Boot Camp beginning April 24. Retail Boot Camp is an intensive, eight-week program that prepares serious, Detroit-based entrepreneurs for the opening of their brick-and-mortar retail establishments. In addition to training, RBC provides access to start-up capital, affordable space and ongoing business support.

The program is open to businesses located in (or willing to relocate to) Detroit who have proof of retail experience, funding sources and a strong value proposition. Each weekly, three-hour classroom session consists of coursework with business development and retail experts, and supported work on a business plan. Substantial out-of-class work will be required. Classes run August 1-September 26.

The program culminates with a Showcase, where up to three graduates will be awarded prize packages valued at up to $5,000, and which include a subsidized permanent or pop-up location, a point-of-sale system, an inventory subsidy and/or a professional services package (design, social media, legal, financial). Upon graduation, participants have the opportunity to participate in TechTown’s SWOT City program, which provides customized, one-on-one small business consulting. The cost for the eight-week course is $499.

“Retail Boot Camp covers everything from negotiating a lease to devising marketing strategies to developing eye-catching displays,” says Sarah Donnelly, TechTown’s Retail Services Director. “This program helps promising retailers with strong concepts get turn-key ready for the successful launch of their business in a Detroit neighborhood.”

Retail Boot Camp has gained a reputation for launching successful and much-anticipated businesses that are catalyzing neighborhood commercial districts, including House of Pure Vin, Paramita Sound, Tribalfare, Mama Coo’s Boutique, The D. String, Third Wave Music and 2015 Hatch Detroit winner Live Cycle Delight.

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of three information sessions across Detroit:

• Monday, May 1 at TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 15 at Grand River WorkPlace, 19120 Grand River Avenue, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 31 at TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Retail Boot Camp supporters include JPMorgan Chase Foundation, New Economy Initiative, Bedrock Real Estate Service and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation’s Motor City Match.

The application period runs from April 24 to June 4. To apply or for more information, visit techtowndetroit.org/retail-boot-camp.

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TechTown is Detroit’s most established business accelerator and incubator, offering a full suite of entrepreneurial services for both tech and neighborhood enterprises. We help startup and established businesses develop, launch and grow, while strengthening and diversifying the local economy.