Latest Updates from

Detroit Means Business

Detroit Means Business continues to seek and share resources and opportunities for Small Business Owners. There are so many important events happening and opportunities available. Read about all the exciting things that are going on in this week’s newsletter.

Business Assistance Award Application Now Closed

Due to an overwhelming response, the application for the DMB Business Assistance Award is now closed.

Join us for DMB Live! Tomorrow

Join us tomorrow via livestream at 10 AM from the TechTown Detroit Black Business Reunion.

Tickets to attend the event in person are sold out, so don't miss the opportunity to view the Legacy Business session!

Register HERE.

Small Biz News

TechTown Detroit's Retail Boot Camp Returns

TechTown Detroit's Retail Boot Camp (RBC) is BACK! Applications are now OPEN for our 12-week, hands-on program that is designed to prepare serious entrepreneurs for opening their brick-and-mortar businesses in Wayne County. Apply by noon on Wednesday, March 6! Visit http://techtowndetroit.org/rbc for more information and the Retail Boot Camp Application Form to apply for RBC.

Participants must have the following qualifications: 

• Previous retail activity (pop-up or e-commerce transactions, industry experience, or a well-thought-out or formally written plan to launch a brick-and-mortar business). 
• Must be intending to locate their business in Wayne County within 12 months of graduation. 

Key Dates:

• Applications close: March 6 at noon 
• Information Sessions: Feb. 27 & March 5  
• Interviews: The week of March 18 
• Weekly sessions begin: April 9 
• RBC Showcase: June 25 

Motor City Match Hosting Virtual Info Sessions for Round 27

Applications for Round 27 of Motor City Match open on Friday, March 1! The Motor City Match team is hosting three upcoming virtual application info sessions to ensure you're prepared and have all questions answered.

These will be held on:

• Tuesday, February 27, from 8-9 AM. Register at bit.ly/3IcH8Jv
• Friday, March 8, from 10-11 AM. Register at bit.ly/3UOywRa
• Wednesday, March 13, from 6:30-7:30 PM. Register at bit.ly/42Opg12

Make Me Modish

Are you in need of brand strategy but don't want to pay for it?

Design Core has created the Make Me Modish community outreach program where they are giving away a FREE brand strategy valued at $10,000 to new or existing business located in the City of Detroit. Underrepresented voices are encouraged to apply! 

Key Dates:

• Applications accepted March 15-April 12, 2024 
• Awardee announced June 3, 2024 

To enter complete the form: Make Me Modish - Modish Creative Co. 

Everything You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act as a Small Business Owner

This webinar teaches small business owners how to navigate the new U.S. Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. The Act impacts millions of small businesses, so if you own or operate a business, it's important to understand the actions you must take to comply with this new law and its requirements.

View the webinar HERE.

View the Powerpoint presentation HERE.

Upcoming Events

Small Biz Opportunities

Detroit Means Business has the latest in small business opportunities: accelerators, incubators, pitch competitions, learning opportunities, and more. View opportunities with fast-approaching deadlines below.

VentureHue Access Lab - Capital Readiness Accelerator

VentureHue Access Lab is an initiative created to provide support to underserved, overlooked, and diverse entrepreneurs who have a limited network and lack of access to capital. The program is a 6-week (virtual) capital readiness accelerator designed to help entrepreneurs improve their knowledge of raising capital, expand their network, and make connections that will result in them obtaining the funding needed to scale their businesses. 

Important Dates:

• Application deadline is Friday, March 22, 2024.  
• Accepted applicants will be announced by April 5, 2024.  
• Accelerator starts Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Sessions will run on Thursday from 6 PM to 8 PM EST). 

There will be information sessions held every Friday in February 2024. To get your questions answered and learn more about the program, you can go HERE to register for the information session. 

Financial Resources

Access to capital is essential for a business to survive and thrive, and Detroit Means Business is here to help you do just that. View financial resources with fast-approaching deadlines below.

Our Small Business Call Center is open to take calls

M-F 9AM-5PM at (844) 333-8249.