TechTown Detroit

Looking for specialized support for your tech startup or neighborhood small business? ?? TechTown’s Ask an Expert program offers free, 25-minute consultations with industry experts from our Professional Services Network! ?? These professionals are ready to share their knowledge in various areas, including accounting and finance, customer experience, tech development, marketing and advertising and more! ?? Learn more and book an appointment today: https://lnkd.in/em6R9hKW

? Set a reminder for Tuesday, Oct. 22, to celebrate the fall 2024 graduates of our Retail Boot Camp: E-commerce & Home-based Edition program at our showcase! Join us at 4:30 p.m. for The SHOP at Showcase, where you can connect with our talented cohort graduates and shop their amazing goods and services. ?? At 6 p.m., watch the graduates pitch their businesses as they showcase how they plan to turn their visions into reality with the skills gained.?? ? Register now: techtowndet.org/47JMsjP

Did you know TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit? ?? For 20 years, we’ve been driving positive change in Detroit and beyond — from nurturing budding entrepreneurs to supporting established businesses. Your generosity has been the foundation of our success, and together, we can do even more. ?? Make an impact and give today! Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly donation, your support will help us expand our reach, deepen our impact and empower more entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. Let’s keep building an equitable economy together! Give now at techtowndetroit.org/donate.

We'd like to congratulate Hassan Beydoun, group executive of economic development for the City of Detroit and counsel to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, for being named a Crain's Detroit Business 2024 40 Under 40 honoree! ?? Not only is he a leader in our city but for TechTown Detroit as a board of directors member. "Beydoun is a key player in economic development deals," reads Beydoun's 40 Under 40 profile. "His team is focused on things like advancing major high-impact projects ... while expanding downtown’s growth into neighborhoods and making the city friendly for entrepreneurs and innovators." ?? Read Beydoun's full profile: techtowndet.org/3XVgg8B

We just wrapped up our amazing Latin-X-Tech event, with this year's theme being "Reclaiming Our Legacy: Our Past, Our Present, Our Future." ?? The event brought together local entrepreneurs, founders and investors to honor the rich culture of innovation and legacy within the Latinx community. ?? Did you know that Latinx-owned businesses accounted for 36% of new businesses launched in 2023? ?? With 5 million businesses generating over $800 billion annually, Latinx entrepreneurs are reshaping the U.S. economy. Nearly two-thirds of all new jobs in America are created by these visionary innovators. ?? Take a look at this insightful article from Forbes to learn more about the growth of Latinx-owned businesses. ?? #HispanicHeritageMonth

?? A huge congratulations to TechTown alumni Alexa Turnage and Johnnie Turnage (bottom), co-founders of Black Tech Saturdays and EvenScore, Darren Riley (top right), co-founder and CEO of JustAir, and Ashley Williams Clark (top left), vice president and director of Center for Equity, Engagement and Research at Detroit Future City (a TechTown tenant), for being recognized as Crain's Detroit Business' 2024 40 Under 40 honorees! ?? Check out the full list of honorees here: techtowndet.org/3zTs2YZ

? Latin-X-Tech highlights! Yesterday evening was filled with community, history and celebration as more than 200 people came out to recognize Hispanic/Latinx tech innovation and entrepreneurship at Newlab at Michigan Central ?? This year's event theme was "Reclaiming Our Legacy: Our Past, Our Present, Our Future." ?? Margarita Hernandez, PhD of 4M moderated a panel discussion with Angela Reyes of Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Tanya Saldivar-Ali of AGI Construction Solutions and Samantha S Cerwin of BeReworn ?? Alondra Carter-Alvizo, MUP of Michigan Central and Carlos Santacruz of Fair Food Network served as the emcees. Gabriela Santiago-Romero, councilwoman for Detroit's District 6, and historian, activist and musician Ozzie Rivera delivered final remarks. ?? Attendees enjoyed musical and dance performances by RicanStruction and M&A DanceLab Studio. ?? Several local businesses provided delicious food and beverages, including TechTown alumni La Jalisciense Supermercado & Taqueria and Cafecito Alvarez. ?? Natalie Rivera painted a beautiful mural during the event, depicting the history of the Hispanic population in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. ?? A big thank you to Latin-X-Tech's partners and sponsors: Accounting Aid Society, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Fair Food Network, Fantazma Market and Cafe, Ford Motor Company, Gabriela Santiago-Romero | Detroit City Council, Michigan Central, New Economy Initiative, Newlab, ProsperUs Detroit, Southwest Detroit Business Association, Urban Neighborhood Initiatives, Wayne State University's Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies and Venture 313. ??: Alejandro Ugalde Sandoval

Throwback to last weekend, when TechTown Detroit was the hosting location for ACT House's 24-Hour Innovation Bootcamp! ?? Founders teamed up with one another to create a viable business product from idea to pitch, for a chance to win cash prizes. ?? Several of TechTown's team members and entrepreneurs-in-residence were in attendance. It was a day full of networking and innovation, and where founders came together as strangers and left as collaborators. ??

? Only ONE WEEK left to apply for the 32nd cohort of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Detroit (GS10KSB)! This program helps entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunities by providing them greater access to education, financial capital and a supportive network of advisors and peers. ?? Over 14 weeks, business owners learn practical business skills such as negotiations, marketing, and employee management. ?? If accepted into the program, 100% of the tuition is covered by the Goldman Sachs Foundation. Apply by Friday, Oct. 11! ?? 10ksbapply.com

Ready to level up your project management skills? ?? Attend our What to Learn Wednesdays workshop on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m., at TechTown Detroit! Join our discussion with speaker Marvin D. Yates, Sr., as he shares proven methodologies and tools for achieving business success. Whether you're launching or scaling your business, Yates will guide you through essential project management principles tailored for entrepreneurs. ?? ?? Register now: techtowndet.org/4epTrRf This workshop is made possible with support from Ally, Bank of America, New Economy Initiative and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.