Build, DC3 focus on raising revenue for fledgling businesses

Build Institute and the Detroit Creative Corridor Center have made names for themselves by helping aspiring entrepreneurs realize their dreams. This fall they are helping dozens of small business they played a role in launching keep the dream alive.

Build Institute and Detroit Creative Corridor Center are launching new programs or emphasizing existing programs that help these new businesses generate revenue and establish themselves as long-term staples in their communities.

"We think of it as incubation/proof of concept," April Boyle, executive director of Build Institute, wrote in an email. "It allows new businesses to interface with customers, build their brand, make mistakes and pivots with low overhead, and make some money."

Build Institute provides support and training for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs so they can build small businesses in Detroit. It has produced more than 600 alumni in its first few years. This year it started hosting its Build Bazaars, events that feature Build Institute graduates selling their products.

This fall Build Institute is announcing a holiday shop local initiative that highlights local small businesses and entrepreneurs with a handful events centered around its Build Bazaars. There are 173 vendors at all of the five Build Bazaars. About 90 are grads of Build Institute programs. The next two bazaars are on Nov. 28 at One Campus Martius for Small Business Saturday and on Dec. 5 during Noel Night at the Majestic Theater.

The Detroit Creative Corridor Center, a nonprofit focused on building up Detroit’s creative economy, is launching a new program for creative firms and freelancers in Michigan called Creative Co.

"It connects freelancers with one another and the larger creative community," says Ellie Schneider, interim executive director of Detroit Creative Corridor Center.

The new program provides design firms and freelancers the with business development opportunities, community, and networks they need to thrive. Among the benefits are:

- Access to exclusive request for proposals from the Creative Co. Services Fund.
- Quarterly workshops, speaker series, and social events.
- Promotional opportunities and exposure through Detroit Creative Corridor Center channels.
- A private, online forum for Creative Co. members to share experiences and speak with mentors/advisory board.
- Discounts at local businesses and service providers

Applications for the new Creative Co program are open through Friday. For information, click here.

Source: April Boyle, executive director of Build Institute, and Ellie Schneider, interim executive director of Detroit Creative Corridor Center
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.