TechTown Detroit

The SHOP at TechTown
2026-01-28 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Experience the best of Detroit’s small business community at The SHOP, TechTown Detroit’s monthly retail pop-up marketplace! Join us in person on the last Wednesday of every month to explore unique products, connect with local entrepreneurs and uncover your next favorite find. Mark your calendar and join us for a vibrant shopping experience celebrating Detroit’s small business community!
Interested in participating in The SHOP? Submit an interest form today!
The SHOP at TechTown is made possible with support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Wells Fargo.

First Thursdays
2026-01-08 17:30 - 19:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us for a dynamic networking event that brings together entrepreneurs, startups, and ecosystem partners in a celebration of innovation and collaboration. First Thursdays is a monthly gathering where the entrepreneurial community comes together to share ideas, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, you’ll find value in this welcoming space.
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts, and discover opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals. Each month, we spotlight up-and-coming business owners to share what they do and inspire others in the community. Interested in being featured as a business spotlight participant? Complete the interest form! Join us at First Thursdays and become part of a thriving community.
First Thursdays is made possible with support from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).
Reserve your spot today!

First Thursdays
2025-12-04 17:30 - 19:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Welcome to First Thursdays: Igniting Entrepreneurial Connections!
Join us for a one-of-a-kind networking event designed to bring together the entrepreneurial community. First Thursdays is more than just a networking event; it’s a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
First Thursdays is a gathering where entrepreneurs, startups, and ecosystem partners unite to share ideas, forge connections, and support one another on their entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or starting, First Thursdays offers something for everyone.
What to expect:

Enriching conversations: Engage in meaningful conversations with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, and ecosystem partners. Share your experiences, exchange ideas and gain valuable insights that can help propel your business forward.

Valuable insights: Hear from guest speakers, alumni business owners, and industry leaders who will share their insights, tips, and strategies for success. Learn from their successes and failures and discover new ways to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Opportunities for collaboration: Discover exciting opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and growth. Whether looking for a co-founder, seeking feedback on your business idea or searching for potential investors, First Thursdays is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for innovation.

Business owner spotlights: Each month, we’ll highlight business owners who have made significant strides in their entrepreneurial journey. Learn from their experiences, celebrate their achievements, and be inspired by their success stories.

Don’t miss out! Join us at First Thursdays and be part of a thriving entrepreneurial community that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and success. Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards igniting meaningful connections and accelerating your entrepreneurial journey!
First Thursdays is made possible with support from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Holiday Happy Hour with Global Ties Detroit
2025-12-04 16:30 - 18:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join TechTown and Global Ties Detroit for our Holiday Happy Hour on Thurs, Dec. 4, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Expect a Hot Cocoa bar with all the toppings, holiday cookies, appetizers, beverages, along with trivia and prizes! After the happy hour, head on over to First Thursdays, our awesome networking event. Celebrate the end of 2025 with us!

The SHOP | December 3
2025-12-03 11:00 - 14:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Experience the best of Detroit’s small business community at The SHOP, TechTown Detroit’s monthly retail pop-up marketplace! Join us in person on the last Wednesday of every month to explore unique products, connect with local entrepreneurs and uncover your next favorite find. Mark your calendar and join us for a vibrant shopping experience celebrating Detroit’s small business community!
The SHOP at TechTown is made possible with support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Wells Fargo.

AI With a Clear Vision: Build Your First AI Action Plan
2025-11-25 17:30 - 19:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us for AI With a Clear Vision, a hands-on working session designed to cut through the noise and help you implement AI in your business—starting tomorrow. This isn’t another theory-heavy seminar. It’s a structured, practical workshop where you’ll walk out with a concrete plan, a scheduled first action, and the clarity to move forward with confidence. This workshop is built for action. In two focused hours, you’ll choose one practical AI use case from your actual work, map out a simple assist flow, establish a critical guardrail, define a measurable success metric, and commit to your first implementation step.
Every attendee leaves with a completed Clear Vision Card—a one-page strategic plan that bridges the gap between AI curiosity and real business value. No fluff, no overwhelm, just a clear path forward.
Register here!

Happy Hour at TechTown
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Head to TechTown for another one of our amazing Happy Hours! From noon to 1:30 p.m., come to our Fueling Station on the first floor, where we’ll be serving snacks, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages!
You’ve worked hard — take a break with us!

The SHOP | November 19
2025-11-19 11:00 - 14:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States

Get to the Bag: Digital Tools for the Modern Stylist & Barber
2025-11-17 17:30 - 20:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
This program is designed to empower local entrepreneurs with the tools, insights and strategies needed to thrive in an ever-eveolving digital economy.
Join us for an engaging session focused on how beauty and barber professionals are using digital technology and artificial intelligence to grow their businesses, streamline operations, and better serve their clients. Whether you’re new to digital tools or already experimenting with AI-driven solutions, this event is designed to meet you where you are.
Key Takeaways:

A clear overview of AI and how it applies to the beauty and barber industries.
Practical, industry-specific strategies to enhance client engagement, marketing, and business management using digital tools.
Real-world examples from local professionals successfully integrating technology into their daily operations.
Access to curated resources and support networks to continue learning and growing after the event.

Register here!

Planning for Your Business
2025-11-05 17:30 - 19:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Running a small business takes planning, adaptability, and a clear vision for the future. Whether you operate a food, retail, or CPG business, having a solid plan in place can make all the difference when it comes to sustainable growth and long-term success.
This interactive workshop will guide you through the process of setting realistic goals, preparing for busy seasons and holidays, and developing strategies to stay steady during slower months. You’ll gain valuable insights to help you identify what’s working, where to adjust, and how to keep your business moving forward with intention.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our experts will share proven strategies, lessons learned, and practical advice drawn from their own journeys—offering you the tools and inspiration to help your business thrive in 2026 and beyond.

Happy Hour at TechTown
2025-10-31 12:00 - 13:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us for our Halloween Happy Hour on Friday, Oct. 31, from noon to 1:30 p.m. We’ll be playing spooky music and host a costume contest for a chance to win prizes! Expect the usual too: snacks, beer and n/a options! Prep your costumes, grab your candy bags and head to TechTown’s Fueling Station for a fantastic time.

The SHOP | October 29
2025-10-29 11:00 - 14:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States

Open City: Sleigh the Season
2025-10-23 17:30 - 20:00 | The Congregation, 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI, 48206
The holiday season is one of the most critical times of the year for small businesses—and those who plan often see their biggest wins. This panel will feature entrepreneurs who have successfully maximized holiday sales through creative marketing, strategic promotions, and operational readiness. From pop-up shops and e-commerce strategies to customer engagement and community partnerships, panelists will share the lessons, tools, and tactics that helped them thrive during the busiest season of the year.
Whether you’re preparing for your first holiday rush or looking to level up your existing approach, this conversation will give you practical insights to make the most of the season.

Jobs to Be Done: Understanding What Customers Really Want
2025-10-16 17:30 - 19:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
The Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) framework helps entrepreneurs and innovators uncover the real reasons customers “hire” a product or service. Rather than focusing on demographics or surface-level preferences, JTBD digs deeper into the progress people are trying to make in their lives and the obstacles they face.
In this interactive workshop, participants will:

Learn the core principles of the Jobs to Be Done theory and how it differs from traditional market segmentation.
Practice identifying customer “jobs,” desired outcomes, and pain points.
Explore real-world examples of how leading startups use JTBD to create products that resonate.
Apply the framework to their own business ideas, uncovering insights that can guide product development, marketing, and customer discovery.

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a sharper understanding of your target customers, tools to reframe their needs as “jobs,” and a process you can integrate into ongoing discovery and validation work.

Toast of the Town
2025-10-10 17:00 - 21:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us at Toast of the Town 2025, TechTown’s 11th annual celebration that proudly honors Detroit’s innovators and entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this powerful evening that champions innovation and recognizes Detroit’s bold risk-takers and builders.

Latin-X-Tech
2025-10-06 16:30 - 19:30 | MI
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, TechTown Detroit presents Latin-X-Tech — a free, community-centered event highlighting the stories, talents, and impact of Latinx and Hispanic entrepreneurs in tech and business.
The evening features a fireside chat with inspiring leaders, interactive Learning Lounges with practical workshops, and a vibrant mercado of local small businesses. Guests can also enjoy cultural food, connect with Hispanic-serving organizations, and play classic games like Lotería and Dominoes. Open to all — come learn, celebrate, and grow with us!
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Para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, TechTown Detroit presenta Latin-X-Tech, un evento gratuito centrado en la comunidad que destaca las historias, los talentos y el impacto de los empresarios latinos e hispanos en la tecnología y los negocios.
La noche presenta un conversación intima con líderes inspiradores, salones de aprendizaje interactivas con talleres prácticos y un vibrante mercado de pequeñas empresas locales. Los huéspedes también pueden disfrutar de comida cultural, conectarse con organizaciones que sirven a los hispanos y jugar juegos clásicos como la lotería y el dominó. Abierto a todos: ¡venga a aprender, celebrar y crecer con nosotros!

TechTown's Next Chapter: A Brand Reveal Event
2025-10-02 10:30 - 12:00 | MI
A new chapter is unfolding at TechTown — and we’re excited to share it with you and the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.
On Thursday, October 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., join us for a dynamic morning of announcements, insights, and celebration as we unveil our refreshed brand and renewed vision.
This rebrand is more than a new look — it marks a strategic milestone that reflects TechTown’s evolving role as a catalyst for economic development and community transformation in Detroit and beyond.
You’ll hear about our programmatic evolution and explore new resources designed to better support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. You’ll also be among the first to experience our bold new brand identity — a visual and strategic expression of our commitment to inclusive innovation and impact.
Come for the reveal, stay for the connections. Enjoy food, drinks, and meaningful conversations with our team, partners, and fellow changemakers at TechTown Detroit.
