D:hive BUILD graduates hit 200, launches next class this fall

D:hive’s BUILD program has graduated 200 aspiring entrepreneurs since its inception last year and is gearing up to welcome its next class in October.

The downtown Detroit-based nonprofit launched the program with the idea of giving everyday people the tools to start their own lifestyle business or community project. Some of the more notable graduates include Hatch Detroit finalists Detroit Vegan Soul and SpielHaus Toys, along with popular events like Tashmoo Biergarten in the Villages.

BUILD graduates are also setting up shop across Detroit. They make up some of the new retail businesses along Livernois and in the Villages.

"We represent at least 10 different zip codes in the city and a few outside the city as well," says April Boyle, director of small business initiatives for D:hive. "It's not just Detroit residents but inner-ring suburb people who are interested in exploring how to build a business in the city."
 
The newest BUILD cohort will be split into three separate classes that will meet weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It costs between $100 and $300 to attend the class, with the amount owed dependent on income and family size. D:hive is also offering the BUILD Institute for graduates of the class to receive continuing support to establish and grow their business.

"We want to keep the alumni engaged and learning," Boyle says.

Source: April Boyle, director of small business initiatives for D:hive
Writer: Jon Zemke

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