You don’t need an MBA, a trust fund, or a Silicon Valley zip code to launch a tech-enabled business. You need curiosity, a few practical tools, and the right doors opened. For aspiring Black innovators in Detroit, whether you’re running a side hustle, crafting beats, or considering a brand-new career pivot, there’s a growing ecosystem of free and affordable resources all around you.
This is your starter kit: a guide to jumpstarting your future in the innovation economy, from the city that’s always been built by dreamers and doers.
1. Turn Your Idea Into a Business Model
Before anything else, get your vision down. What problem are you solving? Who’s the business for? How will it make money?
Local help:
● Build Institute offers affordable entrepreneur training programs tailored for Detroiters, including pitch prep and financial planning.
● ProsperUs Detroit runs small business planning programs with coaching specifically focused on underserved communities.
2. Get Tech-Savvy (Without a Coding Degree)
You don’t need to be an engineer to build a tech-enabled business. No-code tools can help you launch apps, websites, or digital stores fast, and often for free.
Starter tools:
● Canva for branding and design
● Trello or Notion to keep your workflow organized
Local Help:
● Grand Circus Detroit offers tech bootcamps, with scholarships for Detroiters entering coding or data careers.
● TechTown Detroit provides one-on-one coaching and startup programming for early-stage tech founders.
3. Show Me the Money
Funding doesn’t always start with big investors. Detroit has microgrant programs and pitch competitions designed for small ideas with big potential.
Local help:
● Black Leaders Detroit offers $5,000 grants through programs like the Co-Operations Grant.
● Venture 313 provides capital ranging from $500 to $250,000 along with business support.
● Motor City Match awards up to $100,000 to help brick-and-mortar businesses launch or expand.
Pro tip: Apply even if you’re not sure you’ll get it, every application is practice and puts you on the radar and you never know the outcome.
4. Build a Digital Presence
In today’s economy, your business card is your social media feed, your website, or your Linktree.
Free tools:
● Mailchimp for free email newsletters
● Instagram Business or TikTok for organic outreach
Local Help:
● Detroit Means Business offers digital marketing workshops and connections to creative freelancers.
● Detroit Public Library has design software and production tools to use for free.
5. Get in the Room (Even If It’s on Zoom)
Relationships are currency in tech and entrepreneurship. Show up, speak up, follow up.
Local Help:
● TechTown Office Hours: Free consultations with experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
● Detroit Startup Week: A free annual event featuring panels, networking, and workshops.
● STEMinista Project (for girls and women): Programming by the Michigan Science Center that connects future STEM leaders to role models and tech skills.
Black Detroiters have always innovated, whether through music, fashion, food, or movement building. Today’s tech economy just offers a new set of tools. Whether you’re dreaming of an app, starting an online store, or starting a tech company, you don’t need to wait for permission.
Start with what you have and use what’s around you.
About Post Author
