Retail Boot Camp Spring 2026 Showcase
Martes, Mayo 19 | 4:30 – 8 p.m.
In-person at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center
Join TechTown Detroit to celebrate the hustle and hard work of 15 Retail Boot Camp (RBC) graduates at the program’s 17th cohort showcase.
The SHOP at Showcase starts at 4:30 p.m., offering an opportunity to meet, shop and sample goods and services from the hottest new businesses in Detroit retail while enjoying light refreshments. At 6 p.m., participants will pitch their business on stage and answer questions from the judges. See how these businesses will make their visions a reality with what they learned during RBC.
Five standouts will each win a $5,000 Kickstart Award, and one People’s Choice Award winner, chosen BY YOU during the event, will receive $1,000!
Make a donation with your RSVP to the Kickstart Award fund and know that all graduates will continue their journey after RBC with TechTown at their side.
Event timeline:
4:30 – 5:45 PM: The SHOP at Showcase and light refreshments
6 – 8 PM: Pitches + Q&A | People’s Choice Voting | Judges’ Deliberation | Winners Announced
For years, TechTown has helped RBC graduates open competitive retail businesses in a fast-changing environment. Now, it is more important than ever that we double down on what we know works: inclusive educational opportunities that help rebuild our economy on a foundation of equity that gives everyone a pathway to succeed.
