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 (America/Detroit) | 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.

Pitch Lab: From Ideas to Impact
2026-03-18 11:30 - 13:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
From Practice to Performance: Pitching to Leaders
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, you learned how to craft and deliver a powerful pitch. In Session 2, you took 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 journey continues with 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 was required in order to be considered to pitch in front of our judges. Individuals who were invited to pitch have already been notified, and we are not accepting additional pitches at this time. If you were not invited, we still welcome you to attend as an audience member and learn by watching others!
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us! We hope this series has equipped you with the strategies, practice, and confidence to make your ideas stand out.

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!

AI and Automation: Build Night
2026-03-31 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-16 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-26 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!

Liquor Licensing 101
2026-04-02 12:00 - 13:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Thursday, Apr. 2 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

This session will be held in-person at TechTown Detroit. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m., with the session starting promptly at 12:00 p.m.

Understanding how to obtain a liquor license is one of the biggest challenges for new and growing businesses. This workshop provides a clear, practical overview of Michigan’s liquor licensing system, including how the MLCC operates, the types of licenses available, and how the quota system affects your options. You will also learn what Detroit requires beyond state approval and when federal permits are required for breweries, distilleries, wineries, and wholesalers.
Whether you are opening a restaurant or bar, launching a retail shop, or exploring beverage manufacturing, this session will help you understand the path from application to approval. The workshop also highlights common mistakes that slow the process and offers guidance on preparing your documents, timeline, and business plan to keep your project moving.
Key takeaways:

The major categories of liquor licenses
How Michigan’s quota system affects availability and cost
The full licensing process
Detroit‑specific requirements
Key obligations for restaurants, bars, retailers, and manufacturers
Common pitfalls that delay applications and how to avoid them

This Workshop is presented in partnership with TechTown Detroit and Varnum Law

Start Studio Lecture Series
2026-04-15 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!

Alumni Cluster # 1: Food and Beverage Roundtable
2026-04-20 17:00 - 19:00 | La Terraza Restaurant, 8445 Vernor Hwy,, Detroit, MI, 48209, United States
Monday, April 20 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Lunes 20 de abril

This session will be held in-person at La Terraza Restaurant. Check-in opens at 4:45 p.m.
Esta sesión se llevará a cabo de manera presencial en el restaurante La Terraza. Bienvenida comienza a las 4:45 p.m.

Session 1: The Business Behind the Plate
Our first session will bring together food and beverage entrepreneurs: from cafés and restaurants to caterers, food trucks, and meal prep businesses. Whether you run a storefront, pop-up, or delivery-based operation through platforms like DoorDash or UberEats, this is a chance to share experiences and talk about what’s working in today’s F&B climate.
What to expect?

Peer-to-peer conversations, no panels.
Discuss what’s actually working and what’s not.
Share real-world experiences.
Grow your brand together.

Come ready for an open, slide-free conversation about the real-world grind.
Sesión 1: El Negocio Detrás del Plato
Nuestra primera sesión reunirá a emprendedores del sector de alimentos y bebidas: desde cafeterías y restaurantes hasta servicios de catering, food trucks y negocios de preparación de comidas (meal prep).
Ya sea que tengas un local físico, una tienda pop-up o que operes mediante entregas a domicilio a través de plataformas como DoorDash o UberEats, esta es una oportunidad para compartir experiencias y hablar sobre lo que realmente está funcionando en el clima actual del sector.
¿Qué puedes esperar?

Solo conversación, no panelistas.
Discutir lo que realmente funciona y lo que no.
Compartir experiencias reales
Hacer crecer tu marca en conjunto.

Ven listo para una conversacion abierta, sin diapositivas, sobre el día a día real del mundo del negocio detrals del plato.

Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest Top 10 Reveal
2026-04-21 17:00 - 20:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! After a rigorous selection process, the Top 10 semifinalists of the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown will be announced. Join us to be the first to meet the contestants!
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Doors at 5 p.m. | 5:30 – 6 p.m. | Sneak Peek Meet & Greet Happy Hour
This talk show-style fireside chat is your chance to meet the Top 10 semifinalists and ask questions about their business: how and why they got started, where and why they want to be in your neighborhood, and what it would mean if they win.
Note: Seating capacity is limited. The Meet, Mix & Mingle Open House will immediately follow.
6:15 – 8 p.m. | Meet, Mix & Mingle Open House
Mix and mingle with the Top 10 semifinalists and learn about their businesses. Stop by the Open House anytime; come as you are and bring the whole family!
Details
Tickets are $20 and include complimentary drinks and small bites from Hatch Detroit alumni businesses. A donation with your ticket purchase will help provide dedicated support to Hatch alumni as they continue their entrepreneurial journey of opening a storefront.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

ABOUT THE CONTEST
The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown is a retail competition that gives savvy entrepreneurs the chance to win a $100,000 cash grant and a package of in-kind services to open up their brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park.
The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown is supported by Comerica, EY, and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.
Learn more at hatchdetroit.com.
Sign up to receive Hatch Detroit emails and stay in the loop about the contest, alumni and more!

Building a Resilient Business
2026-04-28 11:30 - 13:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
All businesses face adversity sooner or later, but the ones that recover and thrive are those that understand how to take inventory of what they have and adapt to changes.
Join TechTown and ACCESS for this two-hour session to learn how to assess and enhance your business’s resilience. Through engaging activities, expert guidance, and collaborative discussions, you’ll identify key areas of vulnerability and explore practical strategies to adapt, innovate, and grow — even in the face of adversity. Walk away with a personalized resiliency plan tailored to your business’s unique needs.
Why Attend?

Hands-on approach: Build practical, actionable plans tailored to your business.
Interactive learning: Engage with industry experts and fellow business owners for fresh insights and ideas.
Take home results: Leave with a comprehensive, ready-to-implement plan.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Invest in your business’s future with this dynamic workshop and gain the tools, confidence and strategies to weather any storm and seize new opportunities.

This workshop is made possible with support from LISC Detroit.

Packaging, Labeling, and Product Testing For Food Businesses
2026-05-11 11:30 - 13:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Monday, May 11 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

This session will be held in-person at TechTown Detroit. Registration opens at 11:00 p.m., with the session starting promptly at 11:30 p.m.

This session will guide food entrepreneurs through the essentials of getting packaged products market-ready, covering MDARD packaging and labeling requirements, the connection between branding and packaging, the importance of Process Authority Review (PAR), and the steps for meeting nutrition facts and shelf-life testing requirements. You’ll also learn about the services offered by the MSU Product Center to help you navigate regulations, enhance your brand, and bring safe, compliant, and appealing products to market.
Learning Objectives:

MDARD Packaging and Labeling requirements for packaged foods​
Branding-Packaging Relationship​
Process Authority Review (PAR), Nutrition Facts, and Shelf-Life Testing requirements​
Services of MSU Product Center

Our Speakers
Marcus Reliford

Food & Beverage Strategist
TechTown Detroit

Laura Wood-Romito
Michigan State University
Product Center

Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest Hatch Off
2026-05-13 18:30 - 21:00 | WSU Industry Innovation Center (I2C), 461 Burroughs St, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us at the Hatch Off to watch the Top 4 finalists of the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest compete for a cash grant to open up their brick-and-mortar retail business!
The finalists will make one last pitch in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. Thanks to Comerica Bank’s support, the winning business will be awarded $100,000! The winner will also receive an in-kind business support package from TechTown Detroit and its partners. We’ll make a dream come true, and you’ll have a front-row seat.
Tickets are $25 and include complimentary drinks and small bites from Hatch Detroit alumni businesses. A donation with your ticket purchase will help provide dedicated support to Hatch alumni as they continue their entrepreneurial journey of opening a storefront.
This is a celebration of all things local in Detroit: food, music, and fun!

ABOUT THE CONTEST
The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown is a retail competition that gives savvy entrepreneurs the chance to win a cash grant and a package of in-kind services to open up their brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park.
The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest is supported by Comerica, EY, and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.
Learn more at hatchdetroit.com.
Sign up to receive Hatch Detroit emails and stay in the loop about the contest, alumni and more!

AI & Automation: Build Night 101
2026-05-14 17:30 - 20:30, 2026-06-02 17:30 - 20:30 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us for our AI Build Night 101! These are beginner-friendly, hands-on experience designed for exploring new tools, professionals looking to streamline their work, or simply someone curious about what AI can actually do beyond the hype. This session is built for those who have heard the buzz, maybe experimented with a few tools, but still feel unsure about how to apply AI and Automation in a meaningful, practical way. Instead of overwhelming you with technical jargon or abstract concepts, we focus on breaking everything down into clear, simple ideas you can immediately understand and use.
Throughout the session, we take a practical, step-by-step approach to demystifying AI and Automation. You’ll learn what these tools actually are (and aren’t), how they fit into real workflows, and where they can create the most impact in your day-to-day work. We’ll explore accessible, no-code and low-code tools that allow you to build without needing a technical background, and we’ll show you how small automations can lead to significant time savings and increased productivity. Participants won’t just sit and listen because you’ll be actively building. Through guided exercises and real-world examples, you’ll start creating simple automations, experimenting with AI-powered tools, and thinking through how these solutions can apply to your own goals. Whether it’s automating repetitive administrative tasks, organizing and analyzing information more efficiently, improving customer interactions, or quickly prototyping a new idea, you’ll walk away having already taken action.
Beyond the tools themselves, this Build Night 101 is a beginner course built to build confidence and shift your mindset. AI and Automation can feel intimidating at first, but once you understand the fundamentals, they become powerful, approachable resources that anyone can use. By the end of the session, you’ll not only have a stronger understanding of what’s possible, but also a clearer sense of how to continue exploring and building on your own. Come ready to learn by doing, ask questions, experiment freely, and connect with others who are on a similar journey. You’ll leave with practical knowledge, tangible progress, and a solid foundation to start integrating AI and Automation into your work, your projects, and your everyday life.
Join us every month for our AI Build Night 101 and become part of our ecosystem. Reserve your spot today!

Downtown Detroit Winter Markets Vendor Information Session
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Thursday, May 14 | 6 p.m.

This information session will take place via Zoom.

Are you a Detroit-area small business owner? Have you thought about applying for the Downtown Detroit Markets, but aren’t sure if your business is a good fit or ready for the experience? Would you like to know more about what it takes to be a successful vendor in the Downtown Detroit Markets?
If so, register for this free info session with TechTown Detroit to learn more about the Downtown Detroit Markets. We will provide pertinent information and answers to your questions, so that you can successfully complete your application for the Downtown Detroit Markets.
TechTown is happy to partner on the 2026 Downtown Detroit Markets alongside Bedrock, Downtown Detroit Partnership and the Gilbert Family Foundation.

Retail Boot Camp Spring 2026 Showcase
2026-05-19 16:30 - 20:00 | WSU Industry Innovation Center (I2C), 461 Burroughs St, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Tuesday, May 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.

Financial and Sales Forecasting
2026-05-27 11:30 - 13:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Wednesday, May 27 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

This session will be held in-person at TechTown Detroit. Registration opens at 11:00 a.m., with the session starting promptly at 11:30 a.m.

This intensive, hands-on workshop is designed to help entrepreneurs gain a clearer understanding of the numbers that drive their business and use that insight to make more informed, confident decisions. Participants will explore the differences between sales projections and financial forecasts, as well as both top-down and bottom-up forecasting approaches, to better understand how to plan for growth and sustainability.
Through guided examples, interactive discussion, and hands-on worksheets, attendees will also work through break-even analysis step by step and apply key concepts in real time. By the end of the session, complex financial ideas will feel more accessible and actionable, equipping participants with practical tools they can immediately use for stronger, more strategic business planning.

Downtown Detroit Winter Markets Vendor Information Session
2026-05-27 18:00 - 19:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Wednesday, May 27 | 6 p.m.

This information session will take place via Zoom.

Are you a Detroit-area small business owner? Have you thought about applying for the Downtown Detroit Markets, but aren’t sure if your business is a good fit or ready for the experience? Would you like to know more about what it takes to be a successful vendor in the Downtown Detroit Markets?
If so, register for this free info session with TechTown Detroit to learn more about the Downtown Detroit Markets. We will provide pertinent information and answers to your questions, so that you can successfully complete your application for the Downtown Detroit Markets.
TechTown is happy to partner on the 2026 Downtown Detroit Markets alongside Bedrock, Downtown Detroit Partnership and the Gilbert Family Foundation.

Detroit Elevate: Learn & Scale Summit
2026-06-08 09:00 - 16:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Meet with the brightest minds to hear their inspiring success stories. A spark is all it takes to ignite your elementary ideas and convert them into a working success.Also help us mobilize ongoing projects by sourcing for or contributing to the foundation. Participate in various contests in different categories and walk away with grand prizes.

Join us and meet other like-minded attendees and grow your network!

Why attend?

Detroit Elevate is intended to support growth-stage businesses on their journey towards continued sustainability, growth, and scalability. This initiative provides small businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park with connections to resources, capital, and technical assistance to enhance operations, improve customer experience, and expand services.
The Detroit Elevate: Thrive & Scale workshop is strongly encouraged for anyone interested in submitting an official contest application. In addition, this workshop is designed to provide you with a wealth of knowledge and helpful resources to help you scale your business now.
Agenda
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:10 AM – 9:20 AM: Detroit Elevate Overview & Cohort Application Process
9:20 AM – 10:00 AM: Keynote – Marc Howland
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: “Are You Ready for It?”
Speakers:
Marc Howland, Breadless
Leslie Vargas
April Anderson, Good Cakes & Bakes
10:45 AM – 11:30 AM: Cultivating Relationships & Communication
Speaker: Faris Alami, International Strategic Management (ISM)
11:30 AM – 11:55 AM: Building a Lasting Legacy Business
Speaker: Lauren Stovall & Co.
11:55 AM – 12:00 PM: Break
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Money Matters Workshop
Speakers:
Tina Williams, QT Business Solutions
Arlena Minter, Michigan Women Forward
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Resource Fair & Networking
Featured Resource Partners:
• Ops+ Powered by TechTown
• QT Business Solutions
• International Strategic Management (ISM)
• Social Solace
• Michigan Women Forward
• Detroit Legacy

Retail Boot Camp: E-commerce & Home-based Edition Information Session
2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Tuesday, June 09 | 6 p.m.

This information session will take place virtually via Zoom.

TechTown Detroit’s Retail Boot Camp: E-commerce & Home-based Edition is an intensive, ten-week program specifically designed for e-commerce, pop-up and home-based retail businesses based in Wayne County, or owned by residents of Wayne County. The program curriculum is designed to strengthen business owners’ skill sets and grow their businesses as they look to thrive in today’s retail environment.
Information sessions provide an opportunity to learn about the program, who is a good fit and what to expect during the application process.
Applications open Tuesday, June 8 and close Thursday, July 9.
Have questions about Retail Boot Camp: E-commerce & Home-based Edition? Please contact carrie@techtowndetroit.org.
Visit techtowndetroit.org/rbc for more information and key dates on the Fall 2026 Retail Boot Camp: E-Commerce & Home-based Edition program.
Retail Boot Camp is made possible with support from Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Orsa Foundation, Huntington, & MEDC.

2026 Detroit Elevate: Program Overview & Application Review
2026-06-10 13:00 - 14:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Why attend?

Interested in applying for the Detroit Elevate 2026 Cohort? Join us for an informational session to learn more about the program, review the application process, explore eligibility requirements, and get your questions answered. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the cohort experience and determine if Detroit Elevate is the right fit for your business.
www.DetroitElevate.org

Open City: Oh Shit, Now What
2026-06-11 17:00 - 19:00 | TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Thursday, June 11 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This session will be held in-person at MoonDog Cafe. Registration opens at 4:45 p.m., with the session starting promptly at 5:00 p.m.

Every entrepreneur knows the moment. The deal falls through. Your key hire quits. The numbers don’t add up, and suddenly the plan you were so sure of is in pieces on the floor. Oh shit, now what? Reid Hoffman once said, “An entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds a plane on the way down.” Mary Kay Ash put it another way: “Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do.”
Join us on Thursday, June 11 to hear from local entrepreneurs who’ve been there. They’ll talk about what happened when everything went sideways and how they figured out the next move anyway. The panel will share how they kept their heads under pressure, made tough calls without all the answers, and turned a crisis into the moment that pushed their businesses and themselves forward.
AGENDA:
4:45- Registration
5:00- Networking
5:30- Panel Begins
6:30- Panel Ends
7:00- Event Ends
By attending, you’ll walk away with:

Real tactics for steadying your business when something breaks, drawn from people who’ve lived through it
A clearer sense of how to make decisions when you don’t have all the information
Honest perspective on when to push through, when to pivot, and how to tell the difference
New connections with other Detroit founders who understand what you’re going through
The reassurance that hitting a wall doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re actually building something

Our Panel:
Lester Gouvia

Owner & Chef
Norma & Les LLC

Martha Rosales

Founder
Nuvo Cabinets & Countertops

Mildred Palmer

Co-Owner
F & M Palmco

Scott Boateng

Founder
PREVA Body
