a program of Southwest Solutions

 

Growing Detroit’s neighborhood businesses, one resident at a time.
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, a program of Southwest Economic Solutions, 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.

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EntrepreneurTraining

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Business Services

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Micro-Lending

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FEATURED EVENTS

Apr
02

Virtual Neighborhood Business Labs 

ProsperUS is proud to offer free advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and active business owners.

Sign up for a meeting here: https://calendly.com/prosperus-business-lab

Thinking of applying for a loan? Looking to use business services? Want to know more about training? Bring any and all questions to an office hours session near you, or any of our other sessions that fit your schedule! Come say hi!

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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, 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.

Click Here to Apply

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

ProsperUS Entrepreneur Training Application

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Complete this form to apply to ProsperUS Detroit's Entrepreneur Training Program! 

This 12 to 16 week program will build your understanding of business concepts and assist in the completion of key elements of a business plan and finances. 

Participants will meet in small class sessions about once per week to work on these fundamentals. Each session will meet for two hours. Participants also have the opportunity to meet with their instructor for up to 10 hours of one-on-one consulting. These sessions allow you to get more personalized feedback and support.

Applicants must live in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park and own or intend to start for-profit businesses. Although we prioritize operational businesses, we may also accept experienced and focused applicants.

We are currently accepting applications for Spring 2021.

Applications will be open until 11:59 PM on Friday, January 31st.

We will review applications and contact those selected for an in person interview in February. Those who do not receive interviews will also be notified at that time. 

Thank you for your interest in ProsperUS, we look forward to reviewing your application!


Please note that you do not need to take this class to apply for our business services or loans. However, to qualify for these programs you will need:

      • A for-profit business located in the Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park
      • Registered with the state of Michigan (LARA) and a federal EIN number
      • An active system of bookkeeping
      • Profit-Loss statements, or a detailed business plan
If you need help meeting these requirements, please apply for this program.

If you have these documents and would like to use one of our other services, please contact us. 

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Entrepreneurship Training Program Application

Media Consent

We believe you are capable of accomplishing the goals you set for yourself. Sometimes, we want to share your success story with our partners and the wider community. This form allows us to share the outcomes of your hard work.

I hereby authorize Southwest Solutions (SWS) and its sister agencies Southwest Housing Solutions (SWHS), Southwest Counseling Solutions (SWCS) and Southwest Economic Solutions (SWES) to develop and use the following:

I understand that the above checked items will be used for promotional, journalistic and/or educational material including use on the internet. I hereby give my consent to be named in the photographs, video images, or other images made of me or my family member(s). I also consent to interviews with a representative of SWS and/or a member of the new media. I understand and agree that these materials may be used by the news media or by SWS for the purpose outlined above

Photograph and video image releases include (i) unconditional, royalty-free and irrevocable authorization and consent for the use of such photographs, video images and materials, by Southwest Solutions (SWS); and (ii) releases Southwest Solutions (SWS) and its affiliates from any liability for the use of such photographs, video images and materials (including from any claims of distortion, illusionary effect, libel, or of violations of any right of publicity or privacy). If an individual under the age of 18 is prominently featured in a photograph or video image, the organization shall ensure that a photograph and video image release is duly executed by a parent or legal guardian of such individual.

I understand that I may revoke this consent at any time except to the extent that action based on this consent has been taken. This authorization is fully understood and is made voluntarily on my part.

Without revocation, this consent is ongoing until revoked in writing. 



Entrepreneurship Training Program Application

Release of Information

I authorize Center for Working Families, ProsperUS Detroit, and other programs of Southwest Economic Solutions to collaborate and release information in order to enhance my overall experience.

I also understand that financial coaching services offered through Center for Working Families is voluntary and separate from the ProsperUS Detroit program, and all information about my financial situation will be held in strict confidence. 



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