About the program: This is a 10-week program that prepares serious entrepreneurs for opening a brick-and-mortar establishment in Detroit. The program curriculum is designed to strengthen businesses from pop-up stage to permanent location as they look to thrive in today’s retail environment. All graduates receive post-program coaching from the TechTown team for six months.   

Retail Boot Camp is made possible with support from Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and the New Economy Initiative. 

New Grant Offers Financial Assistance

Application Period: July 15, 2020 –  August 5, 2020

Detroit small businesses hurt by the COVID crisis may be eligible for a new round of funding to help with rent, payroll and other expenses. Applications for grants of up to $20,000 open July 15 through the Michigan Small Business Restart Program.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Small business or nonprofit with 50 employees or less
• In an industry that has been affected by the COVID-19 crisis
• Demonstrated income loss as a result of the COVID-19 crisis
• Demonstrated need for working capital for eligible expenses
• Business not required to have a storefront
• Minimum 30% of the funds must be awarded to eligible women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses