Small Business Programming

Retail Boot Camp (RBC)

Retail Boot Camp is TechTown's longest-running program, focused on helping entrepreneurs to strengthen and grow their retail businesses as they look to thrive in today's retail environment.

Spring 2026 Brick-and-Mortar Edition Application

Apply Now

Key Dates

Applications open - 12/19/25 @ 4pm

Applications close - 1/29/26 @ 11am

Learn more about RBC
by attending an info session

1/8/26 - RSVP HERE
1/13/26 - RSVP HERE 
1/20/26 - RSVP HERE
1/27/26 - RSVP HERE

RBC Cohort 17 Selected - 2/13/26

RBC Cohort 17 Orientation -  2/26/26

RBC Sessions Begin - 3/3/26

RBC Showcase Pitch Event - 5/19/26

 

Brick-and-Mortar Edition

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

Applications open - 12/19/25 @ 4pm
Applications close - 1/29/26 @ 11am

Learn more about RBC by attending an info session

  • 1/8/26 - RSVP HERE 
  • 1/13/26 - RSVP HERE 
  • 1/20/26 - RSVP HERE
  • 1/27/26 - RSVP HERE
  • RBC Cohort 17 Selected - 2/13/26
  • RBC Cohort 17 Orientation -  2/26/26
  • RBC Sessions Begin - 3/3/26
  • RBC Showcase Pitch Event - 5/19/26

What 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.

 

Brick-and-Mortar Application Form

E-commerce & Home-based Edition

TechTown Detroit’s RBC: E-commerce & Home-based Edition is an intensive, ten-week program specifically designed for home-based, pop-up, and e-commerce businesses based in Wayne County or owned by Wayne County residents. 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.

What is Covered

  • Omni-channel retailing
  • Financial statements and sales projections
  • Packaging and pricing
  • Building your online presence
  • Identifying your target customer persona
  • Inventory management
  • Branding and marketing
  • Pitching your business

Business Support Includes

  • 10 weeks of in-person sessions facilitated by business development and retail experts
  • Opportunity to pitch for kickstart awards
  • Post-graduation coaching from the TechTown team for three months

Key Dates

Summer/Fall 2026

What Makes an Ideal Candidate

  • Have an e-commerce, pop-up, or home-based business
  • Previous retail activity (pop-up or e-commerce transactions)
  • Must live in or primarily operate in Wayne County

TechTown is 100% committed to connecting all applicants to resources, regardless of whether they participate in a program. 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 $299.

E-commerce & Home-based Interest Form
Schedule a Retail Services Strategy Session
Schedule with Christina
Schedule with Carrie
Email the RBC Team
Email Christina
Email Carrie
Retail Boot Camp is made possible with support from Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Relentless Care Foundation and, Huntington Bank.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

CONTACT

440 Burroughs Street
Detroit, MI 48202
info@techtowndetroit.org
(313) 879-5250

FOLLOW US

© 2025 TechTown Detroit. All rights reserved.
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Accessibility Policy
The "Toast of the Town" logo, which is spelled out in a italicized serif font with black lettering and gold accents.

Toast of The Town is Here

October 10, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join us at Toast of the Town 2025, TechTown’s 11th annual celebration that proudly honors Detroit's innovators and entrepreneurs. Don't miss this powerful evening that champions innovation and recognizes Detroit’s bold risk-takers and builders.
Buy Your Tickets