Model 3: TechTown Detroit

Model 3: TechTown Detroit

Regionerate was hired to help Tech Town Incubator at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan raise funds from diverse sources to support their urban business programs. Along with traditional business acceleration offerings and coworking space, TechTown offers a Retail Boot Camp, a program to prepare entrepreneurs for the successful launch of their retail businesses. Entrepreneurs meet weekly for eight weeks for workshops and mentoring sessions facilitated by business development and retail experts.

SWOT City Detroit Program (SWOT) at TechTown combines neighborhood engagement efforts with local business owners and

entrepreneurs to create jobs for low-income individuals in target neighborhoods. TechTown provides neighborhood assessments, technical assistance, coaching, entrepreneurial services, and training to businesses, residents, and other stakeholders and has its business coaches located in community centers across the city.

SWOT was launched in 4 of Detroit’s neighborhoods and was so successful that JPMorgan Chase funded its replication throughout the city. Doing triage for neighborhood businesses allowed Tech Town to prioritize its offerings to the companies considered the most critical for neighborhood growth.

Lean More at: www.techtowndetroit.org/programs/#entrepreneurialeducation