Applications for TechTown’s 2016 Retail Boot Camp open June 27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: June 16, 2016
Contact: Kristin Palm
Phone: (313) 483-1326

Applications for TechTown’s 2016 Retail Boot Camp open June 27
TechTown Detroit will be accepting applications for its Fall 2016 Retail Boot Camp beginning June 27. 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 September 20 through November 8.

The program culminates with a Showcase, where up to five graduates will be awarded prize packages valued at up to $7,500 and including a subsidized permanent or pop-up location, a point-of-sale system, an inventory subsidy and/or a professional services package. The cost for the eight-week course is $499.

“Retail Boot Camp furthers TechTown’s mission to support local businesses and drive economic growth in Detroit’s neighborhoods,” said Regina Ann Campbell, TechTown’s managing director of place-based entrepreneurship. “We’re looking for serious entrepreneurs with great ideas that address neighborhood needs. Participants will work hard and graduate prepared to launch their business and be a meaningful part of Detroit’s revitalization.”

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, Third Wave Music and 2015 Hatch Detroit winner Live Cycle Delight.

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

Tuesday, June 21 at TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 29 at Mash Detroit, 14711 Mack Avenue, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 30 at Always Brewing Detroit, 19180 Grand River Avenue, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Retail Boot Camp partners include BUILD Institute, Canvas Legal, Hatch Detroit, Lifeline Business Consulting Service, M1/DTW, Motor City Match, ProsperUS Detroit, Small Business Development Center Michigan and Social Coop Media. Program sponsors are JPMorgan Chase Foundation, New Economy Initiative and Bedrock Real Estate Service.

The application period runs from June 27 to August 19. 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. TechTown is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in partnership with Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System and General Motors Corporation.