TechTown's Retail Boot Camp (RBC) is an intensive, hands-on, 12-week program that prepares serious entrepreneurs for the opening of their brick-and-mortar establishments in Wayne County. The program's curriculum is designed to strengthen businesses so they can grow into permanent locations and thrive in today's retail environment. Retail Boot Camp has gained a reputation for supporting the launch of successful businesses in neighborhood commercial districts, including Mama Coo's Boutique, Third Wave Music, Plum Health, Breadless, Flamingo Vintage Detroit, Mature, MG Studio, Spectacle Society, Alotta Locs, J&T's Kitchen, Genesis Therapeutic Massage & Wellness, Terri's Cakes, Jessica Blair Beauty, Ice Cream Detroit, Joy of Nails, Just Elevate Fitness, The Damage Zone, and T&T Sip & Read.
What is Covered
- Identifying startup costs and funding sources
- Selecting a permanent location
- Negotiating your lease
- Utilizing an architect for the design-build process
- Capital readiness and financial analysis
- Developing quality retail operations and routines
- Designing impactful visual merchandising
- Sales techniques
- Understanding your pricing and inventory mix
- Developing store management practices
- Pitching your business
Business Support Includes
- 12 weeks of sessions facilitated by business development and retail experts
- Opportunity to pitch for kickstart awards
- Post-graduation coaching from the TechTown team for up to six months
Key Dates
Winter/Spring 2026What Makes an Ideal Candidate
- Previous retail activity (pop-up or e-commerce transactions, industry experience, or a well-thought-out or formally written plan to launch a brick-and-mortar business).
- They intend to locate their business in Wayne County.
TechTown is 100% committed to connecting all applicants to resources, regardless of program participation. Interested business owners are highly encouraged to complete the application.
There is no fee to apply to the program. The program fee upon acceptance is $499.
