TechTown COVID-19 Updates

Statement to Business Owners
Small Business Stabilization Fund

Mask Policy

September 12, 2022 @3:04 p.m.

Masking in common areas at TechTown is now optional, effective immediately. Please be respectful of those making choices different than yours.

The CDC recommends masking in crowded indoor settings and for those who have had a positive test following a quarantine period or if exposed to someone with COVID-19. We will continue to monitor data related to COVID cases, hospitalizations, and death rates locally and make adjustments if needed due to spikes or new variants.

TechTown tenants, members and guests are still asked to use the hands-free temperature check upon entry to the building.

COVID Safety Protocol Changes

March 30, 2021 @4:34 p.m.

The CDC continues to recommend vaccination as the strongest protection against COVID-19 and its variants. TechTown supports this recommendation but does not require proof of vaccination for its tenants, members, and guests. The second strongest prevention method is masking (for both those who may spread the virus and those who may be at risk of catching the virus). Respirator-type masks like an N95 or KN95 provide the highest level of protection.

Given CDC recommendations and a new fast-spreading variant, WE WILL CONTINUE TO REQUIRE MASKING IN COMMON AREAS, EXCEPT WHEN EATING IN THE FUELING STATION OR USING MEETING ROOMS OR PHONE BOOTHS (WITH DOORS CLOSED). We encourage you to have the full agreement of all in attendance when unmasking in meeting rooms.

We will continue to monitor case trends in Wayne County and Detroit and will update the community as things change and progress. Thank you so much for your understanding.

TechTown is open to the general public.

June 14, 2021 @1:30 p.m.

TechTown is open to the general public. If you are a guest or visitor, you can call 313-879-5250 upon arrival for building entry.

All building users are expected to follow building safety protocols (which include wearing face masks in common areas such as meeting rooms, coworking spaces, hallways, restrooms and elevators/stairwells). A reminder that private office tenants may continue to apply their own individual safety protocols while in their private spaces.

All private office tenants (including small office members) may access their private spaces anytime, regardless of our business hours.
Tenants interested in accessing meeting rooms outside of business hours should contact a Community Ambassador in advance for booking.receptionist@techtowndetroit.org

TechTown Reopening to Guests

February 19, 2021 @1:30 p.m.

Starting February 22, 2021 members and tenants will be permitted to have guests in the building under the following guidelines:

  • • ALL GUESTS MUST COMPLETE THE TECHTOWN GUEST FORM IN ADVANCE OF THEIR ARRIVAL.
  • • Meeting rooms shall be open for use by all members and tenants. Reservations should be made through OfficeRnD. If you are bringing guests this must be made 24 hours in advance so that we can verify that we have the advance forms completed and know who to expect in the building.
  • • Meeting room hours are Monday and Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30am to 7:30pm. All meeting rooms must be vacated no later than 30 minutes prior to the buildings posted daily closing.
  • • Guests are permitted in private offices, as long as proper social distancing can be maintained. Office tenants should book, first floor meeting rooms to accommodate guests that exceed the social distancing requirement in their office.
  • • Meeting room occupancy is based on proper social distancing per room, with the maximum of 10 people (plus 1 speaker) allowed in the Test Track, 8 (plus 1 speaker) in the Proving Grounds, 4 in both the Hoist and Showroom and 2 in the remaining small rooms. A registered representative of the member or tenant company must be present in the meeting room.
  • • Shared and Dedicated Desk members are permitted to have up to 2 guests in the coworking space, but only at a table designated appropriate for proper social distancing. 3 or more guests are permitted in meeting rooms, as long as the member is present in the room at all times.
  • • Guests must be accompanied by a member/tenant at all times, including at sign in and check out at the front desk.
  • • We are not opening to the general public and will reevaluate in 60 days.

If you have any questions or need a copy of the Guest Form please e-mail receptionist@techtowndetroit.org

Do you need help with your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application?

February 09, 2021 @3:00 p.m.

Detroit Means Business has free, one-on-one resources for both first time and second time PPP loan applicants, as well as those navigating the forgiveness process. Click here to sign up for one-on-one sessions.

  • The MBA Response team will help you complete your application
  • U-M Master of Accounting students will help you prepare financial documents for your application
  • Attorneys in Michigan Community Resource’s legal clinic will help you navigate loan forgiveness

TechTown Building Policy Changes due to MDHHS Order

November 16, 2020 @10:00 a.m.

In response to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announcement Nov. 15, TechTown is updating our COVID-19 protocol. New policies will go into effect Wednesday, Nov. 18 and remain in place until Dec. 6, unless otherwise notified by TechTown.

Policies as of 11/18/20:

• Masks must be worn at all times while in the building, including in private offices
• Visitors and guests are not permitted in the building
• All common areas are closed
• Meeting rooms are closed
• Coffee and food service is suspended
• Virtual members’ mail will be available curbside; members must email receptionist@techtowndetroit.org 24 hours in advance for pickup
• TechTown hours will remain Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

We’d like to remind TechTown members and tenants that they are individually responsible for adhering to any mandate issued. Thank you for your continued support, and stay safe.

Safe Learning for Children

September 29, 2020 @3:30 p.m.

Coworking Classroom

Introducing the Coworking Classroom, a new offering designed to ease the uncertainty and stress of your ongoing childcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coworking Classroom is a safe learning alternative for your children while you work onsite at TechTown.

Learn More

Updated Visitor Policy

August 1, 2020 @9 a.m.

Updated Events and Visitors Policy

As of August 1, TechTown permits members and tenants to have guests accompany them inside meeting rooms or their company suite/lab.
Effective September 1, TechTown will permit non-members to utilize meeting rooms. While we are not scheduling large in-person events, we will regularly evaluate conditions and update policies when safe to do so.

Check out TechTown’s updated Stay Safe Plan to learn more about the changes we’ve made to ensure a safe and productive work environment.

TechTown's Stay Safe Plan

June 16, 2020 @10:15pm

TechTown Space Reopening to Tenants and Members in June

We’ve been hard at work redesigning our space and our offerings to ensure a safe work environment for all, so you can get back to that Detroit hustle with confidence. Contact us today to reserve one of our newly added private offices at an affordable rate. And check out TechTown’s Stay Safe Plan to learn more about the changes we’ve made to ensure a safe and productive work environment.

Detroit Means Business

May 21, 2020 @2:15pm

Detroit Means Business

Check out the Detroit Means Business resource hub! This initiative is Detroit’s approach to reopening for business – complete with helpful resources to support small businesses as they plan – and TechTown is a key partner. Download the reopening playbook, learn more about financial resources, and check out recorded webinars on finance, HR, operations and marketing – all on the Detroit Means Business site.

TechTown Stabilization Fund

April 8, 2020 @3:00pm

2020 Emergency Fund for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

To mitigate barriers for Detroit’s most vulnerable businesses and entrepreneurs, TechTown Detroit will administer an emergency fund that provides working capital grants in amounts up to $5,000 to qualifying applicants. Note that we are not able to respond to applicant inquiries via phone and email. Please refer to our website for information. 

Applications for the TechTown Stabilization Fund will be open from Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 9 a.m. until Friday, April 17, 2020 at NOON. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for funding awards.

Information only. Application closed.

Statement to Business Owners

March 19, 2020 @1:00p.m.

Concerns about exposure to the COVID-19 virus will undoubtedly dramatically reduce in-person customer traffic to your business. As owners and managers of public spaces, small business owners must be leaders in their community at this time. Your response to COVID-19 will require agile leadership, consideration for the mental and physical health of your staff and the public, and regular communication with your customers. We are here to support you with resources and guidance. Please download and read our resource guide, and check back often for updates to the guide as the situation evolves.

Schedule an Open Office Hour with a TechTown team member or an Ask An Expert appointment with our Professional Service Network to help develop and adjust your plan for shifting market demand. TechTown clients and alumni should contact their designated TechTown staff member for assistance.

Contact the DEGC District Business Liaison team to learn of the most up-to-date resources and information from the City of Detroit or to request assistance for your business.

Small Business Owner COVID-19 Resource Guide