Finance Meets Function
2026-02-18 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Wednesday, February 18 | 9:30 A.M.

This session will be held in person at TechTown Detroit

Join OPS+ and Orsa Credit Union for an exclusive session designed to simplify your back-office operations and supercharge your small business banking. Discover how to bridge the gap between financial strategy and daily management to fuel your business’s growth in Michigan.

Start Studio Lecture Series
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us for our Start Studio Lecture Series! An energizing monthly workshop designed to empower aspiring and early-stage tech founders throughout 2026. Each session brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem partners for a hands on learning, thoughtful discussion, and practical skill-building rooted in the realities of launching and growing a tech-based venture.
This lecture series will be: From Good Prompts to Reliable Systems
AI tools like ChatGPT, Lovable, and other generative platforms are becoming essential for early-stage founders—but knowing how to talk to them effectively is what unlocks real value. In this introductory lecture, participants will learn the fundamentals of prompt engineering: how to structure prompts, think in systems instead of one-off requests, and use AI more efficiently across product development, customer discovery, and operations. Designed for non-technical founders, this session breaks down key concepts like tokens, context, and iterative prompting in plain language.
The lecture will also include a live, real-world demonstration, showing how founders can ask AI to help design their own prompt roadmap turning AI into a collaborative thinking partner rather than just a reactive tool.
Participants will leave with:

A practical framework for writing better prompts
A clearer understanding of how AI tools “think”
Take-home prompts they can immediately apply to their startup work

No technical background required!
Every month features a unique workshop led by a different expert facilitator, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights across a wide range of topics such as customer discovery and prototyping to fundraising, product strategy, and founder resilience. Whether you’re shaping an early idea or preparing to scale, you’ll find guidance that meets you where you are.
Come connect with fellow founders, exchange ideas, and build relationships with people who understand the challenges and excitement of building something new. Each session also highlights emerging founders in the Start Studio community, offering inspiration and real-world examples of entrepreneurial growth.
Join us every month for our Start Studio Lecture Series and become part of a thriving tech ecosystem. Reserve your spot today!

Open House - Wyandotte
2026-02-24 18:00 - 20:00 | 3239 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192, 3239 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI, 48192, United States
Stop by and learn more about TechTown Detroit and the resources available to support Wayne County small businesses. TechTown is coming to Wyandotte to connect directly with local entrepreneurs and business owners. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the TechTown team, learn about available programs and services, and explore how our resources can support businesses at every stage—from idea to growth. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your business to the next level, this is a great chance to ask questions, make connections, and learn how TechTown can support your business journey.
This event is made possible with support from: Community Choice Credit Union | Develop Downriver | TechTown Detroit | Shop the Dotte

AI and Automation: Build Night
2026-02-24 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-31 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-16 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-26 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-23 18:00 - 21:00 | WSU Industry Innovation Center (I2C), 461 Burroughs St, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us with Detroit’s builders for an intensive hands-on session where you’ll learn practical AI and automation, build working prototypes with expert mentors, and demo what you shipped by the end of the night.
What is Build Night?
TechTown’s AI and Automation Build Nights are a monthly series designed for beginners, founders, and builders who want to move beyond theory and actually ship something. Whether you’re a starting founder building your next product, a developer learning new tools, or someone just curious about AI then this is your night to experiment, collaborate, and create something real.
No pitch decks. No talking about building. Just build!
Who should attend?

Beginners with no coding experience (we provide templates and guided support)
Founders building products who need mentor help to ship an MVP feature
Developers wanting to learn AI tools while building with experts
Product builders looking to automate workflows and operations
Anyone curious about AI who wants hands-on experience

What you will leave with:

Hands-on mentorship from industry experts
Free tool credits (Lovable, Replit, Zapier, Make, and more)
A working prototype or automation by end of night
Food and refreshments provided
Application pathway for continued TechTown support
Connections to Detroit’s builder and founder community
Demo time to showcase your work and get feedback

Come connect with fellow founders, curious people, exchange ideas, and build relationships with people who understand the challenges and excitement of building something new!
Join us every month for our AI and Automation: Build Night and become part of a thriving tech ecosystem. Reserve your spot today!

The SHOP at TechTown
2026-02-25 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-25 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-29 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-27 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-24 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-29 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-26 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-30 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!
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.

Pitch Lab: Crafting a Powerful Pitch and Deck
2026-03-04 11:30 - 13:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
A great pitch isn’t just about having a good idea—it’s about delivering it with confidence, clarity, and purpose. This three-part workshop series will walk you through every stage of the pitching process, giving you the tools and practice you need to make your message resonate.
In Session 1 (Mar. 4), you’ll gain the skills to craft and deliver a powerful pitch. Through interactive exercises, you’ll learn how to structure your story, design a visually polished slide deck, and present with confidence. We’ll also look at real-world examples of successful funding pitches to help you understand what works—and how to apply it to your own.
The journey continues with:
Session 2 (Mar. 11): Deepen your skills by refining your message into a concise, memorable elevator pitch while learning how to connect authentically and communicate your “why.” Spaces are limited—register early to secure your spot!
Session 3 (Mar. 18): Put it all into action by pitching to a panel of community leaders and receiving tailored feedback in a real-world setting.
Note: Attendance at Sessions 1 & 2 is required in order to participate in Session 3 and pitch in front of our judges. Invitations to Session 3 will only be sent to individuals who have attended the first two sessions.
Whether you’re preparing for your first pitch or leveling up for your next big opportunity, this series will equip you with the strategies, practice, and confidence to make your ideas stand out.

First Thursdays
2026-03-05 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!

Pitch Lab: Finding Your Voice
2026-03-11 11:30 - 13:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
A great pitch isn’t just about a good idea—it’s about delivering it with confidence, clarity, and purpose. This three-part workshop series guides you through every stage of the pitching process, giving you the tools, strategies, and hands-on practice to make your message resonate.
Last week in Session 1, you learned how to craft and deliver a powerful pitch. Now, in Session 2 (Mar. 11), you’ll take your skills to the next level by refining your message into a concise, memorable elevator pitch, while mastering how to connect authentically and communicate your “why.”
The series concludes next week with Session 3 (Mar. 18), where you’ll put it all into action by pitching to a panel of community leaders and receiving personalized, real-world feedback. Note: Attendance at Sessions 1 & 2 is required in order to participate in Session 3 and pitch in front of our judges. Invitations to Session 3 will only be sent to individuals who have attended the first two sessions.
Whether this is your first pitch or your next big opportunity, this series will equip you with the confidence, techniques, and practice you need to make your ideas truly stand out.

OPEN CITY: Are You Ready For It?
2026-03-12 09:30 - 11:30 | Detroit Sip, 7420 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI, 48221, United States
Are you ready for the next step in growing your business? Thinking about scaling, but not sure where to start? Wondering if now is the right time to make your move?
Join us for the first Open City event of the year for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation with business owners who’ve navigated the challenges of growth firsthand. From managing cash flow and building the right team to expanding into new markets and overcoming growing pains, our speakers will share real experiences, practical insights, and lessons learned along the way.
Whether you’re actively preparing to scale or simply exploring what’s next, this event will offer valuable perspective and actionable takeaways to help you move forward with confidence. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect and network with fellow founders who understand the journey and are building right alongside you.
Come curious, leave inspired—and better equipped for your next chapter.

Start Studio Lecture Series
2026-03-19 17:30 - 19:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
AI-Powered Market Discovery: Define Your Real Customers

Whether you’re refining an existing business or exploring a new idea, this workshop will help you sharpen your market strategy using customer discovery and AI-powered research tools. We’ll walk through how to define your ideal customer profile (ICP), uncover real market opportunities, and pressure-test your Lean Canvas assumptions with evidence—not guesses.
Through practical exercises and live examples, you’ll learn how to use AI to map target markets, generate research insights, and prepare smarter customer interviews that move your strategy forward. You’ll leave with a clearer view of who your most valuable customers are, where to find them, and what questions to ask next to validate your market.

Join us for our Start Studio Lecture Series! An energizing monthly workshop designed to empower aspiring and early-stage tech founders throughout 2026. Each session brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem partners for a hands-on learning, thoughtful discussion, and practical skill-building rooted in the realities of launching and growing a tech-based venture.
Every month features a unique workshop led by a different expert facilitator, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights across a wide range of topics such as customer discovery and prototyping to fundraising, product strategy, and founder resilience. Whether you’re shaping an early idea or preparing to scale, you’ll find guidance that meets you where you are.
This lecture series is more than education it’ll become a community anchor.
Come connect with fellow founders, exchange ideas, and build relationships with people who understand the challenges and excitement of building something new. Each session also highlights emerging founders in the Start Studio community, offering inspiration and real-world examples of entrepreneurial growth.
Interested in applying for Start Studio ID? Complete the application form here!
Join us every month for our Start Studio Lecture Series and become part of a thriving tech ecosystem. Reserve your spot today!

First Thursdays
2026-04-02 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-07 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-04 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-07-09 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-08-06 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-09-03 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!

Start Studio Lecture Series
2026-04-15 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-20 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-17 17:30 - 19:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us for our Start Studio Lecture Series! An energizing monthly workshop designed to empower aspiring and early-stage tech founders throughout 2026. Each session brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem partners for a hands on learning, thoughtful discussion, and practical skill-building rooted in the realities of launching and growing a tech-based venture.
Every month features a unique workshop led by a different expert facilitator, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights across a wide range of topics such as customer discovery and prototyping to fundraising, product strategy, and founder resilience. Whether you’re shaping an early idea or preparing to scale, you’ll find guidance that meets you where you are.
This lecture series is more than education it’ll become a community anchor.
Come connect with fellow founders, exchange ideas, and build relationships with people who understand the challenges and excitement of building something new. Each session also highlights emerging founders in the Start Studio community, offering inspiration and real-world examples of entrepreneurial growth.
Interested in applying for Start Studio ID? Complete the application form here!
Join us every month for our Start Studio Lecture Series and become part of a thriving tech ecosystem. Reserve your spot today!
