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TechTown Detroit | This Week @ TechTown: Week of August 25th

MBN: Detroit elevate

A few weeks ago, longtime tenant 482 Forward brought more than 35 young people from across Detroit to TechTown for its annual Youth Organizing Institute (YOI). Over three days, students engaged in workshops on education justice, community organizing, and the power of youth voice—while connecting with peers and becoming members of 482 Forward.

 

“As we continue to host YOI at TechTown each summer, we’re reminded how powerful it is to see young people take ownership of their voices and leadership,” said Juanita Zuniga of 482 Forward. “This space allows us to bring students together from all corners of Detroit and inspire them to be the change in their communities.” 482 Forward has called TechTown home for the past decade, making our campus a central hub for their summer programming. We’re proud to support their mission and welcome the next generation of leaders each year.

   

Did you know about our mailbox memberships?

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Did you know that for just $50/month, a TechTown Mailbox Membership gives you a professional Detroit business address, access to events and networking, and our full community of resources—plus you can attach up to three business names? Interested in learning more? Contact our team at receptionist@techtowndetroit.org!

Food Vendor Spotlight: A tasty perk!

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One of the perks of TechTown membership? Delicious food! Our vendors serve members, tenants, and guests alike—and one of our favorites is J&T’s Kitchen, proud Retail Boot Camp alumni. Juan and Tabitha always leave you full and happy, and they recently reopened their brick-and-mortar location! With rotating vendors, you never know what amazing flavors will pop up next. 

   

PROGRAMMING

 
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Join us for Black Business Reunion: Cookout & Conversations!

In honor of National Black Business Month, we’re thrilled to bring back our Black Business Reunion series with our next event, Cookout & Conversations, on Tuesday, Aug. 26! From 5 to 9 p.m., we’re taking over Roar Brewing Co., Detroit’s first Black-owned brewery, for an evening of good food, great conversations and powerful connections. 

   

For the theme ‘From Ideas to Investments: Turning Black Capital into Lasting Prosperity,’ a dynamic panel of Detroit business owners will share how the Black community can leverage intellectual, social, cultural, and financial capital to grow revenue, fuel digital transformation, and attract investments. Afterwards, enjoy music, classic games like Spades, UNO, and Dominoes, yard games, and food—plus a free drink ticket for the first 150 attendees!

   

This Wednesday: Support small business owners at The SHOP!

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Our monthly pop-up marketplace, The SHOP, returns on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Head to TechTown to explore various products from local small businesses. This month’s vendors are: 

  • Aliris Brands
  • Dessert Essentials
  • KnotTee Designs
  • Epic Infants
  • Ariya’s Apparel and Accessories
  • Detroit Krazy Nuts
  • KIP Studio
  • B.A.M.’S Retro Closet

Your monthly hub for ideas and connections: First Thursdays

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Our next First Thursdays is right around the corner! Join us on Sept. 4, from 5:30–7:30 p.m., for our free, monthly networking event!

First Thursdays is the perfect opportunity for both emerging and established entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships.

Attendees will also enjoy delicious food and beverages while meeting September’s highlighted businesses.

 

Get your tickets to Toast of the Town!

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TechTown Detroit’s Toast of the Town is back on  Oct. 10, 2025! Celebrate Detroit’s founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators with food from alumni small businesses, startup demos, shopping, and more. Get your tickets today and join us in honoring the city’s bold risk-takers and builders!

Detroit Elevate: Supporting Businesses Built in Detroit

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Is your business a long-standing part of the Detroit community? Ready for support, guidance to scale, and a chance to compete for up to $50,000 in funding? Detroit Elevate provides training, mentorship, and funding to help businesses grow, strengthen their reach, and continue shaping Detroit’s future.

   

RESOURCES

 

Last Call: Apply for the Detroit Startup Fund

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The Detroit Startup Fund is back with a new opportunity to support tech startups driving job growth and talent retention in the city. In its first round, the $700,000 initiative will provide grants to Detroit-based startups over the coming year.

Round 1 applications close today, Monday, Aug. 25! To be eligible, startups must be based in Detroit or owned by Detroit-based founders. Your business should have the potential to grow while delivering solutions that benefit the city and improve life for Detroiters.

Last chance: EY Entrepreneur Access Network

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Applications close Friday, Aug. 29 for EY’s Entrepreneur Access Network 2026 program! This free 12-month immersive business accelerator program designed for leaders and founders, to equip them with access to resources, connections and capital, and helping them scale their enterprises sustainably. 

Participants gain peer-to-peer learning, workshops and webcasts with top business leaders, plus exclusive briefings on economic, policy, and industry trends.

Applications open: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

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Applications Open for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Detroit Program – Winter 2026!

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses   is now accepting applications for the winter 2026 cohort! This program gives entrepreneurs practical skills in negotiation, marketing, and employee management to help take their businesses to the next level. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect, and scale your business with expert guidance.

Reminder: Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator

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Applications for the fall 2025 cohort of the Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator powered by gener8tor program are open through Sunday, Aug. 31

This program is a no-cost, equity-free, accelerator program that provides underrepresented, immigrant and diverse startup founders based in Southeast Michigan with a $15,000 grant to use for purchases related to growing their business. The program includes personalized coaching alongside access to a robust network of mentors, customers and investors.

   

UPDATES

     

TechTown Alumni Awarded Motor City Match Grants

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Waka, by Baobab Fare and SushiRitas have both been awarded Motor City Match grants to open brick-and-mortar locations in Detroit!

Waka will bring bold East African street food to Eastern Market, while SushiRitas, a Retail Boot Camp alum, is opening in Midtown. 

Both businesses showcase how Detroit entrepreneurs are turning passion into thriving community spaces.

 Sip-n-Read grand opening in Corktown!

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TechTown client Sip N Read is celebrating their grand opening on Wednesday, Aug. 27 in the heart of Corktown! 

This unique book bar invites you to explore a cozy, welcoming space where you can browse a curated selection of books, sip Michigan-made wines, and enjoy the carefully crafted Library of Rosé collection. Sip N Read has something for every book and wine lover.

   

NEED MORE TECHTOWN?

Get Connected to Your Community this Week!

     
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