TechTown Ops+ program lifts the administrative burden off small businesses, helping them stay focused on what matters most: building lasting impact in their community.
Ops+ experts, Erica Bachran (left) and Diana Goode, tabling at a TechTown event to share resources and connect with small business owners. Photograph by J. Lindsey Photography
Every entrepreneur starts with a vision. Whether it’s launching a new product, solving a community need or building something from the ground up, the path to a thriving business comes with its own set of challenges. Managing payroll, staying compliant with regulations, handling benefits and overseeing finances can quickly become overwhelming. For many small business owners, these administrative tasks take up valuable time and energy needed to grow and innovate.
Solving these pain points is where TechTown Ops+ steps in. Designed to take the pressure off small businesses, Ops+ helps owners manage internal operations, so they can focus on scaling their business and beyond.
Delivering affordable, tailored support for small businesses
Ops+ offers personalized, hands-on assistance in human resources and finance, providing Michigan businesses with comprehensive solutions for payroll, tax filings, benefits administration, accounting and financial planning. What sets Ops+ apart from other business support programs is its client-focused approach, delivering high-touch services tailored to the specific needs of each business.
“Ops+ allows entrepreneurs to focus on growing their business by handling essential administrative functions efficiently and at competitive prices, making it a valuable resource for companies at various stages of growth,” says Erica Bachran, associate director of business operations and strategy. Bachran leads the HR and operational components of the program, ensuring businesses receive reliable support in these critical areas.
The program’s unique value lies in its local presence and commitment to the community. In addition to offering essential back-end support, Ops+ connects clients to relevant networks and resources, helping them succeed within the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ops+ is committed to serving Detroit’s entreprenuerial community. Whether it be at TechTown facilities, on the phone or at the client’s place of business, the Ops+ team will meet business owners where they’re at. Photograph by J. Lindsey Photography
Rooted in community and committed to growth
What makes the work especially meaningful for the Ops+ team is the personal connection they build with the small business owners they serve. Many entrepreneurs bring adaptability and a willingness to embrace new ideas, making the collaboration process both inspiring and fulfilling.
“The most rewarding part of working with small businesses through Ops+ is seeing the direct impact of our efforts on their growth and success,” says Bachran. “We’re helping people who are passionate about what they do.”
Ops+ is also fully integrated into TechTown’s vision for Detroit and the region, which is to drive inclusive and sustainable revitalization in Detroit by supporting the launch and growth of tech startups and small businesses. In turn, this creates jobs, generates revenue and strengthens neighborhoods.
“Previously, our programs at TechTown covered almost every aspect of what a business could need to launch, grow and develop,” Bachran shares. “With the addition of Ops+, we’ve been able to fill in the remaining aspects with support in the areas of human resources and finance. TechTown now has everything needed to support an entrepreneur or small business to be successful.”
Detroit Sound Conservancy, an Ops+ client, is dedicated to preserving Detroit’s rich musical history and has been able to do more for the community since enlisting the support of Ops+. Above, attendees gather at The Blue Bird Inn to celebrate the Detroit Sound Conservancy’s Groundblessing and BBQ event in 2023. Photograph by Shelby Robinson
How a local organization found clarity with Ops+ services
As one of many organizations benefiting from the Ops+ program, Detroit Sound Conservancy (DSC), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and amplifying Detroit’s musical legacy, turned to Ops+ for support with operational tasks. “Ops+ has been instrumental in helping us build out procedures and ways of working that an organization of our size would not normally have the capacity to do,” says Jonah Raduns-Silverstein, director of operations at DSC.
With Ops+ providing structure and strategic support, DSC gained the tools and guidance needed to streamline operations. “We’re now able to focus more on the work of the organization, serving people in the Detroit music community and spend less time and energy on running an organization.”
Ops+ has also had a significant impact on DSC’s development. The organization recruited two new employees and expects to hire 1-2 more in the next couple of years, expanding its ability to serve the Detroit music community.
Their advice to other small businesses considering Ops+? “It’s a great way to grow and scale your organization without overextending yourself.” DSC’s experience is just one example of how Ops+ helps organizations build capacity, gain clarity and achieve long-term success.
Success starts with Ops+
Whether a nonprofit is striving to expand its mission, a startup is laying its foundation or a growing business is ready to scale, Ops+ is there to help. With personalized support and community knowledge across Michigan, the program is equipped to be part of each organization’s journey.
Interested in learning more about Ops+ and how we can support your business? Visit techtowndetroit.org/ops-plus or reach out to us at opsplus@techtowndetroit.org.
