Toast of the Town presented by Bank of America will once again be held as a virtual celebration with live broadcasts from the Wayne State Industry Innovation Center and the Detroit Southwest Ford Resource and Engagement Center. During the September 30 event, three local entrepreneurs will receive TechTown’s highest honor for their embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit. Carla Walker-Miller will receive the Marlowe Stoudamire Small Business Champion Award, presented annually to an individual or organization that exemplifies Stoudamire’s legacy of building community to create opportunity for all Detroiters. Learn more about each recipient, and RSVP below.
|
|
Javier Evelyn founded his company Alerje to improve outcomes and reduce the cost of care in the food allergy industry. An active coworking member making connections at TechTown since 2018, Evelyn also expanded his network through Detroit Urban Solutions’ MedHealth Summits.
|
|
|
|
Juan Carlos Dueweke-Pérez started his multilingual and multicultural marketing and public relations agency in 2015 to build a business on his passion for helping other immigrant entrepreneurs. He joined TechTown’s coworking community in 2018 and volunteered as a member of the Professional Services Network. Learn more about Featherstone here.
|
|
|
|
The husband and wife team of Rodolfo and Raquel Lozano have owned El Popo Market in the heart of Mexicantown for six years. Prior to the pandemic, Raquel Lozano was enrolled in TechTown’s one-on-one coaching program for small businesses. When COVID-19 hit, she received TechTown stabilization funds to weather the initial upheaval and then enrolled in 313 STRONG to continue pivoting and adapting.
|
|
|
|
Carla Walker-Miller, founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services, was one of the first entrepreneurs to incubate her company at TechTown and a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. As her company began to thrive, so did Walker-Miller’s passion for giving back and creating equitable opportunities for all Detroiters. A member of the Executive Committee on TechTown’s Board of Directors, Walker-Miller was instrumental in the creation of a five-year equity plan for TechTown.
|
|
|
|
For the first time, virtual attendees will have the opportunity to vote live for a People’s Choice winner during the event. TechTown will also award $23,000 through the TechTown Startup Fund to two Black-owned tech startups. To learn more about this year’s celebration, RSVP and read the full press release below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weekend plans, anyone?
Shopping | Art | Family Fun | Food
|
|
Visit Woodward | Warren Park on the campus of Wayne State University Saturday, Sept. 11 for a stroll through the Encouragement Experience, featuring an installation by Ange Zelenak – artist, graphic designer and owner of local business, Inkcourage. TechTown client and alumni small businesses specializing in art, design, fashion and home décor will be present for a special pop-up shopping opportunity.
|
|
|
|
|
Building Business Podcast | Ep. 7 
LJ dives deep with Justin Erickson of University of Michigan’s DNEP program
|
|
On this week’s episode, host Lawrence Jackson interviews Justin Erickson of University of Michigan’s Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project. Justin speaks about resources available to small business owners in the city and shares his thoughts on key business tools many entrepreneurs are overlooking. Add #BuildingBusiness to your podcast lineup today.
|
|
|