Growing Detroit’s neighborhood businesses, one resident at a time.

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Our statement on COVID-19 and helpful resources.

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Entrepreneur Training

A comprehensive, 20-week entrepreneur training program that helps participants realize their potential and develop a business plan.

Business Services

Professional assistance in the areas of Accounting, Commercial Real Estate, Graphic Design, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing, Website Development, and more.

Micro-Lending

Provides access to capital for start-up and existing small businesses including financing up to $15,000 for start-up businesses and up to $25,000 for existing businesses.

Detroit's Heart is in its Neighborhoods

ProsperUS Detroit - Pitch Competition 2018 - Chanell Scott Contreras

HOW WE SERVE

ProsperUS Detroit is a place-based economic development initiative that builds and sustains neighborhood entrepreneurs and small businesses. Through entrepreneur training, business support services, and micro-lending, the program infuses neighborhoods in Detroit with services and capital that support local entrepreneurs, help stabilize neighborhood economies, and inspire the local community.

click here for a detailed map

EntrepreneurTraining

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Business Services

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Micro-Lending

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FEATURED EVENTS

Apr
30

ProsperUs 2020 Annual Convening Postponed 

Dear ProsperUs Community:

Like many organizations, ProsperUS is carefully monitoring the COVID-19 issue and making plans to do our part to keep our community as safe and healthy as possible. We write you today to provide updates on how we are utilizing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Community Mitigation Strategies to adjust our programming and events: Our Annual Convening & Pitch Competition, which was to take place on the evening of April 30, 2020 will be postponed until further notice. We intend to reschedule the event for a time when we can be certain of the safety of the 400 attendees we expect.  We will be in touch as soon as possible about a new date. All applications for the showcase and pitch competition will be considered for the new date, with no need to re-apply. We will reach out to applicants with more information as soon as possible. Our Spring 2020 Entrepreneurship Training Program classes are currently being scheduled, with start dates potentially in late April, 2020. These classes include up to 12 participants, and therefore pose far less of a risk to participants. We will work with our trainers and community partners to ensure that all protocols for small group meetings are being followed at our training sites. Furthermore, we will continue to monitor MDHHS' recommendations and will adjust our timeline for Spring 2020 classes if needed. Our Business Services and Microlending programs will continue as normal, with meetings taking place over the phone when possible. Thank you for your understanding. We encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions for the safety of our community, especially our most vulnerable community members. With care and in solidarity, Chanell Scott Contreras, Executive Director & the ProsperUs Detroit Team
This information and more is also available here: LINK
 
GRADUATES and LENDING RECIPIENTS! We welcome you to apply for the Pitch Competition and Entrepreneur Showcase.
 
Pitch Competition ProsperUS Detroit is thrilled to host its fifth pitch competition at the organization’s annual celebration of neighborhood entrepreneurship. Three (3) ProsperUS Graduates or current Training Participants will have three (3) minutes to present their business and their need for the prize money to a panel of judges from the Detroit entrepreneurship community. Fill out the following application form by March 10th, 2020, at 11:59 PM.
Pitch Competition Application
Entrepreneur Showcase This showcase is an opportunity to talk about your business, gain exposure, and network with other entrepreneurs in the city.  It will be your responsibility to arrive to the venue, by 3 PM to set up for the showcase and strolling dinner that will take place from 5:30-7 PM. We will provide each entrepreneur with a 6-foot table, table covering and chairs. This year we will have a competition awarding the best display, voted on by Convening attendees. So be creative and put your best foot forward. Fill out the following application form by March 10th, 2020, at 11:59 PM.
Entrepreneur Showcase Application

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Aug
03

We are accepting applications for participants in our Spring 2021 Entrepreneur Training Program until Sunday, January 31st at 11:59:59 PM. 

Click Here to Apply for Entrepreneurship Training

Solicitud para el Programa de Entrenamiento Empresarial

Spring 2021 applications are open until Sunday, January 31st at 11:59 PM. This course offers participants an overview of fundamental business principals as well as dedicated one-on-one support. By graduation participants should understand their business model, market, and finances. We expect and support participants as they legally register their business, create budgets and systems of bookkeeping, and write a business plan. The program consists of:
  • 6 different training sites across the city of Detroit (all classes will be held virtually)
  • 12 participants in each virtual class
  • 12 two-hour virtual sessions (once per week, usually from 6 to 8 pm)
  • 10 one-hour one-on-one consultations (scheduled separately with trainer)
  • 15 week duration from first class to graduation
Applicants will be assigned to sites based on geography. We only accept applicants who live in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park. Although we prioritize operational businesses, we may also accept experienced and focused applicants. Applications will be reviewed in August and the strongest candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Interviews will take place in August and classes will start in late August or early September. The total cost of the program is $75. It is free to apply.

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Jun
08

ProsperUs is launching our first business 101 workshop!

This two day program will cover the basic things you need to know when starting a business.

REGISTER HERE

We will cover the basics of what a business is and feature guest presentations on non-profit and co-operative business models from Michigan Community Resources and Detroit Community Wealth Fund. In addition to learning key skills about creating a minimum viable product and calculating your break even point, we will cover funding, credit and finance.

The program will run from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on Tuesday, June 8th and Wednesday, June 9th.

 

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Jan
30

Spring 2022 applications are open until Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 11:59 PM.

Apply Now!

This course offers participants an overview of fundamental business principles as well as dedicated one-on-one support. By graduation, it is intended that participants understand their business model, market, and finances. We expect and support participants as they legally register their business, create budgets and systems of bookkeeping, and write a business plan. The program consists of:
  • 6 different training sites across the city of Detroit (all classes will be held virtually)
  • 12 participants in each virtual class
  • 12 two-hour virtual sessions (once per week, usually from 6 to 8 pm)
  • 10 one-hour one-on-one consultations (scheduled separately with trainer)
  • 15-week duration from first class to graduation
Applicants will be assigned to sites based on geography. We only accept applicants who live in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park. Although we prioritize operational businesses, we may also accept experienced and focused applicants in the start-up or idea phase. Applications will be reviewed in February and the strongest candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Interviews will take place in February and classes will start in late February or early March. The total cost of the program is $75. It is free to apply.

Click Here to Apply

Additional information can be found on our entrepreneur training page and you are welcome to contact us with any questions.

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