FOUNDER ENGINE

Resources for Detroit's tech founders and small business owners.

From software startups to storefronts, restaurants, and main-street shops — TechTown supports every kind of entrepreneur with technical assistance, localized resources, and expert guidance. Whether you're at the kitchen table or ready to scale, we provide the infrastructure.

Start HERE

Find your resources in a few questions.

Who We Serve

Whether you're scaling software or opening a storefront — there's a path for you.

Tech Founders

Building software, hardware, or a scalable startup? Access prototyping help, technical talent, and capital-readiness support to take your product to market.

  • MVP & product development
  • Pre-seed & venture readiness
  • Pitch & Investor Prep

Small Business Owners

Running a storefront, restaurant, salon, or service business? Get help with licensing, financing, marketing, and the day-to-day operations of Main Street.

  • Licensing & compliance
  • Loans & grants
  • Local marketing & growth

Select Your Stage

Open your doors and win your first customers.

Resource Navigator

Take a Look at What Our
Partners Are Doing

Guides & Checklists

Step-by-step technical manuals written for Detroit founders

G-01

Michigan LLC Formation Kit

LEGAL
12 STEPS
Templates for entity selection, registration, EIN, and operating agreements.

G-02

Pre-Seed Readiness Audit

FUNDING
INTERACTIVE
15 critical benchmarks to hit before pitching local angel and grant programs.

G-03

Detroit Licensing & Tax

COMPLIANCE
CHECKLIST
Permits, city tax registration, and zoning requirements for Detroit businesses.

G-04

Michigan LLC Formation Kit

GROWTH
8 STEPS
Positioning, pricing, and first-customer acquisition frameworks for launch.

Capital Access

Grants & Funding

Mentorship

Book a Subject Matter Expert

One-on-one office hours with seasoned legal, marketing, and finance professionals. Matched to your journey stage — free for TechTown clients and community partners.

Next Steps

Still need a hand?

Not sure which resource fits? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with our team. We'll map your goals to the right programs, grants, and experts for your stage.