Entrepreneurship Events

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Detroit and Southeast Michigan have emerged as vibrant hubs for entrepreneurship, offering a diverse range of events aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in the business community. These events cater to a wide array of entrepreneurs, from startups to established businesses, and cover various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, social impact, and more.  

A2Tech360 

Annually in September 

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 is a week of events celebrating Ann Arbor’s spirit of innovation through experiences, conversations, and connections that strengthen and expand the region’s vibrant technology ecosystem. The events are tailored to a variety of audiences, including entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, businesses, academic institutions, non-profits, job seekers, and the general public. 

URL:  https://a2tech360.com/ 

Bamboo Business Bash 

Annually in September 

Immerse yourself in a three-day networking and learning extravaganza designed to help grow your businesses. Experience engaging workshops, networking opportunities, and coworking sessions across three dynamic locations in Michigan: Royal Oak, Detroit, and Ann Arbor. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and elevate you

URL:  https://www.bamboodetroit.com/events-at-bamboo/bamboo-business-bash-the-connection-conference---day-1 

Birmingham Angels Investor Showcase 

Monthly

By Invitation Only! To receive your private invitation, please email David P. Weaver if you would like to attend. dweaver@citysideventures.com or use the request a private invite link below! 

URL: https://citysideventures.com/events/birmingham-angels-monthly-investor-showcase-oct08-2/ 

Black Tech Saturdays 

Monthly

Welcome to Black Tech Saturdays in Detroit, where we are fostering a culture of innovation and imagination to support the growth of Black tech. Our mission is to create community wealth by sharing knowledge, building a strong community, and celebrating Black Joy. We believe that the success of Black tech requires a diverse range of perspectives, and that's why we're committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in everything we do. Our goal is to create an environment that supports the growth of high-growth companies, quality jobs, and opportunities for everyone in the community. 

URL:  https://www.blacktechsaturdays.com/

C3 Summit 

Annually in October 

The C3 Summit brings together industry leaders to explore the evolving landscape of cleantech innovation. This exciting event will feature engaging panel discussions, a keynote speaker, industry-focused pitch events, and exclusive one-on-one investor matchmaking sessions. This event is in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Breakthrough Energy Fellows, and American Made Challenge, the summit promises to be an impactful and informative gathering of cleantech leaders aiming to drive positive change. 

URL: https://www.centrepolisaccelerator.com/Events/ 

Climate Entrepreneurship Exchange Program

Round-the-year Cohorts

The Climate Entrepreneurship Exchange Program, an initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan, is an eight-week virtual certificate program empowering undergraduate students from Michigan, Egypt, Libya, and Morocco to tackle global climate challenges through entrepreneurial solutions. Bringing together over 1,100 students across four cohorts, the program fosters cross-cultural collaboration to identify critical climate issues, design innovative business strategies, and build confidence in pitching ideas to stakeholders. Through workshops, mentorship, and teamwork, participants develop skills in leadership, innovation, and investment pitching, culminating in a pitch competition where winners earn an international study trip—North African students travel to Michigan, and Michigan students visit Morocco. This program offers a unique opportunity to join a global network of climate-conscious entrepreneurs dedicated to meaningful change.

URL:  https://climate-entrepreneurs.org

Detroit Homecoming 

Annually in September 

If you grew up, attended school or worked in metro Detroit, you’re invited to apply to attend Detroit Homecoming XI, Sept. 18-20, 2024. This invitation-only immersion in “all things Detroit” is intended to be a catalyst for your re-engagement in your hometown. Meet the “doers” who are part of Detroit’s revitalization and you’re on your own path to support the city. There’s no cost to attend; area foundations and corporate sponsors support the initiative so you can listen, learn and participate – and enjoy great food and find new gems in the city along the way. 

URL: https://www.detroithomecoming.com/ 

Detroit Startup Happy Hour 

Second Tuesday of every month 

Join our community of technologists, entrepreneurs, and startups. Come join the fun, bring someone new, and connect with others! 

URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-detroit-happy-hours-tickets-492882002337 

Entrepreneur Bootcamp & Certification Program

Annual Winter/ Spring / Fall Orientation

Annual May Entrepreneur's Forum

The Entrepreneur Bootcamp & Certification Program, presented by the National Entrepreneurs Association (NEA) and Comerica Bank, with sponsorship from Dell Technologies, is a nine-week live virtual training course designed to equip growth-stage entrepreneurs with the essential skills to navigate business challenges, accelerate growth, and achieve their goals. The bootcamp is designed to help participants develop a strong entrepreneurial mindset, enhance leadership and management skills, learn financial planning and cash flow strategies, master modern marketing techniques, and gain insights into legal and business protections. Participants will gain valuable insights from industry experts, college professors, and experienced entrepreneurs, culminating in a recognized NEA Certified Entrepreneur designation. This program serves as a springboard for entrepreneurial success, offering practical knowledge, valuable networking opportunities, and a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates proficiency in running and scaling a business.

URL: https://www.nationalentrepreneurs.org/training

First Thursdays at TechTown Detroit  

First Thursday of every month 

 First Thursdays is a gathering where entrepreneurs, startups and ecosystem partners come together to share ideas, forge connections and support one another on their entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, First Thursdays offers something for everyone.  Attendees can expect enriching conversations, valuable insights, opportunities to collaborate, and business owner spotlights.   

URL: https://techtowndetroit.org/event/igniting-entrepreneurial-connections-oct/ 

Michigan Startup Capital Summit 

Annually in September 

The Michigan Startup Capital Summit, an evolution of the Michigan Angel Summit, will focus on the full spectrum of the state’s startup capital ecosystem. This year’s event offers a comprehensive educational program on early-stage funding, providing valuable insights and resources for entrepreneurs and investors across Michigan. 

URL: https://a2tech360.com/events/michigan-startup-capital-summit-2024/ 

Michigan Tech Week 

Annually in October

Michigan Tech Week is a collaboration of multiple organizations and individuals who are committed to the state and our innovation ecosystem. #MITechWeek. Michigan Tech Week (MTW) is the largest and most impactful convening for tech and high-growth entrepreneurship in our state. Get ready for this year’s groundbreaking event at the newly renovated Michigan Central, Detroit. This immersive experience will revolutionize the way you think about Michigan innovation. Whether you’re a founder, investor, innovator, leader, student, or community member, MTW is the place to mobilize for success. 

URL: https://www.michigantechweek.com/ 

MVCA Awards Dinner 

Annually in October

The Michigan Venture Capital Awards Dinner recognizes leaders in Michigan's entrepreneurial and investment community. Celebrate the accomplishments driving innovation at the state's largest investor networking event. 

URL: https://michiganvca.org/member_events/mvca-17th-annual-awards-celebration/ 

Renaissance UnDemo Day 

Semi-annual

Renaissance UnDemo Day® is a semi-annual event that connects Midwest startups with venture capital investors from around the U.S. The spring event is virtual, and the fall event is in person in Detroit. The goal for all UnDemo Day® events is to foster useful connections that ideally lead to investment in historically underrepresented geographies and founders. The UnDemo Day® schedule includes startup education, networking, and curated 1:1 meetings between startups and investors, matched based on the requests of participating VCs. Applicants with the most meeting requests from investors will be included on the Renaissance Hotlist, which is distributed to hundreds of venture capital firms. 

URL: https://renvcf.com/undemo-day/ 

Toast of the Town 

Annually in September

Toast of the Town is TechTown’s annual celebration and benefit honoring Detroit’s community of innovators and entrepreneurs along with the role we play in strengthening our city, neighborhoods and economy. Join for an unforgettable evening that uplifts the power of innovation and honors Detroit’s vibrant community of risk-takers, community builders, trailblazers and economic drivers! 

URL: https://techtowndetroit.org/toast-of-the-town/