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Weekly Resource(s) #18 – Detroit Retail Startup Support

Dreaming of launching a retail business in Detroit?  You’re in luck.  Resources abound to support your efforts.  Planning to capital, it’s here.

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It’s generally advised, when considering the launch of a new business venture, you do the research and planning required to prove your concept; you test the concept whenever possible; and you secure proper funding to support the project.  The following 3 Detroit resources can potentially provide all those things to aspiring retail entrepreneurs.

To begin, TechTown offers a competitive, highly customized boot camp program that prepares serious entrepreneurs for a successful retail launch.  Topics in this 8 week course include:  choosing your location; merchandising; fiscal management; customer service; marketing and branding; government regulations and processes; taxes and insurance; start-up costs; business model canvas; and developing your pitch.

Applications are currently be accepted for the September 23 – November 11 program.

Applications are also being accepted now for D:Hive’s Pilot program, which offers creative and engaging retail businesses to test their brick-and-mortar potential in a prime downtown location.  The chosen entrepreneur gets:  2 months of rent-free retail space on Woodward Ave during the holiday season; marketing & graphic design support; mentoring & networking opportunities; and $500 reimbursements for both space design and a launch event.  Apply by September 2nd.

And finally, though not currently accepting applications, Hatch Detroit manages a contest that provides startup capital to viable retail businesses planning to open in Detroit neighborhoods.  By the time you’ve completed the TechTown Boot Camp and tested your concept in the D:Hive Pilot space, you’ll be more than ready to apply for the next Hatch opportunity.  Click here to learn more about the contest and vote for one of this round’s 4 finalists.

Let us know what you think, if you decide to take advantage of any or all of these fabulous small business resources.  And be sure to follow this blog and sign up for our newsletter for more of the same:  http://eepurl.com/AiUC5.

 

Weekly Resource #14 – Detroit BizGrid

48109_281138838694543_1423782555_nImagine a single document that lists the business resources and their providers that exist in Detroit. Sounds pretty awesome right? Well imagining such a document is no longer required. The Detroit BizGrid is exactly that and more.

Combine the aggregate knowledge of 5 local entrepreneurial support organizations, (including ourselves, Techtown, Bizdom, D:Hive, and the DEGC) with the demand for an easy to use list of resource provider contact information and their offered resources, and you get the BizGrid.

54 Detroit organizations are categorized based on the resources they have to offer and the stages of business they specialize in. This was done to ensure that entrepreneurs are aware of what is available to help them as well as to streamline the process of contacting said organizations and getting the information needed to pursue their resources.   These organizations offer services ranging from business planning and strategy to real estate assistance, funding, co-working space, and beyond.

A free to use tool, The BizGrid exists in both a downloadable digital version as well as a printed hard copy. Unless you have a printer that is able to print an 8 1/2 X 17 piece of paper, your best bet of getting your hands on a hard copy would be to visit one of the partner organizations and picking one up in person. Otherwise, be sure to download the PDF at the BizGrid website and don’t forget to share it with your fellow entrepreneurs and “Like” the BizGrid on Facebook!