Detroit Startup Week 2017 (Rolling Program Additions)

Workshop will walk through using Steve Blank's Customer Development Process and Osterwalder's Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Design, and participants will learn:Learn To construct and articulate the key hypothesis to be validated in the customer discovery process.Define their industry ecosystem and competitive landscape.Identify subject matter experts for customer discovery interviews.Create an interview guide for the customer discover process.Provide training on conducting successful customer discovery interviews.

The Search Lite is a local market research and customer discovery firm specializing in working with startups and small businesses.

The Search Lite has extensive experience working with companies in the healthcare space to develop and execute a successful customer discovery process.

The JILL TALK speaking series will feature influential women TALKERS who will deliver a 14 minute TED-style presentation, followed by a panel discussion. It will be hosted by Jillian Blackwell, JILL TALK Conversation Strategist and Partner Sales Manager for Heartland District at Microsoft.

This series is designed to give women thought leaders and business onwers at platform where they can activate, accelerat and amplify their voices. 

JILL TALK speakers:

- Mrs. Toy Baks of Toy Banks International
- Regina  Gains of House of Pure Vin
- Dr. Sabrina Jackson - The People Expert


It has never been a better time to be a woman entrepreneur. In fact, women own 36% of all businesses, according to the 2012 U.S. Census ‒ a jump of 30% over 2007. The number of businesses owned by African American women has grown 322% since 1997, making black females the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., per Fortune Magazine. In addition, within the past seven years, Detroit has become known both as the Wild West and the land of opportunity for business founders, a significant proportion of them female. 

Although these numbers are impressive, economists and academics agree women entrepreneurs are still an under-tapped force that can rekindle economic expansion if given an opportunity to lead. Why are women under tapped and underserved? Could it be that women aren’t seen as thought leaders, or leaders within their industry? During Detroit Startup week, women will have their voices heard. 

The Google My Business and AdWords talk will be a workshop-style session meant to give start-ups the tools they need to succeed in the online marketing ecosystem. This session will teach companies how to successfully show up on Google Search and Google Maps, and how they can harness the power of online marketing to help customers find them.

Instant Google My Business Verification available immediately following information session

This talk will help Detroit business advertise effectively on Google using Adwords

This one hour talk focuses on the connection between the increasing rate of disruption in business & technology and the need for innovation. The punch line is that diversity seems to be the secret sauce for the best "repetitive" innovators on the planet.

The talk is excellent for general practitioners, but should be the most attractive for those in the tech space or any area that requires innovative thought.

The JILL TALK speaking series will feature influential women TALKERS who will deliver a 14 minute TED-style presentation, followed by a panel discussion. It will be hosted by Jillian Blackwell, JILL TALK Conversation Strategist and Partner Sales Manager for Heartland District at Microsoft.

This series is designed to give women thought leaders and business onwers at platform where they can activate, accelerat and amplify their voices. 

JILLTalk speakerss:

- Monica Weat, Pixel DSi and Parallel Ventures
- Marlin Page-Williams, Sisters Code
- Jill Ford, heads the City of Detroit’s innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives


It has never been a better time to be a woman entrepreneur. In fact, women own 36% of all businesses, according to the 2012 U.S. Census ‒ a jump of 30% over 2007. The number of businesses owned by African American women has grown 322% since 1997, making black females the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., per Fortune Magazine. In addition, within the past seven years, Detroit has become known both as the Wild West and the land of opportunity for business founders, a significant proportion of them female. 

Although these numbers are impressive, economists and academics agree women entrepreneurs are still an under-tapped force that can rekindle economic expansion if given an opportunity to lead. Why are women under tapped and underserved? Could it be that women aren’t seen as thought leaders, or leaders within their industry? During Detroit Startup week, women will have their voices heard. 

You are the best advocate for your business, but when you can collaborate with important influencers, your marketing reach can grow exponentially. These contacts don’t have to be celebrities in a traditional way, but rather, this person's following is a good match for the audience you are trying to reach. Create brand ambassadors in an authentic way that breaks through the typical advertising clutter. Influencer marketing takes advantage of social media and other digital marketing options to emerge as a powerful tool for small and emerging businesses. 

Very cost effective tool for emerging business. It is essentially digital networking. 

Perfect strategy for entrepreneurs

A follow-up to the very popular Startup Next Detroit pre-accelerator program that launched in 2016.

Startup Next, a Techstars program earned the spot as the #1 pre-acceleration program in the world launched in Detroit in 2016. Startup Next prepared startups for accelerators and seed investment, by providing high quality mentorship and leveraging a global network of investors, mentors and founders. The program was free, part-time and consisted of 3-hour weekly sessions for 6 weeks. The program was sponsored globally by Google for Entreprenuers. 

Techstars is supporting the roll-off of the top 7 performing Startup Next cities into a new enttity for 2017-2018.

Come learn about Startup Boost, the global pre-accelerator comprised of the top 7 performing Startup Next Cities (Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Toronto, London, Dublin).  Hear from successful members of Startup Next Detroit's first cohort and plans for the Fall 2017 rollout and application process. 

The JILL TALK speaking series will feature influential women TALKERS who will deliver a 14 minute TED-style presentation, followed by a panel discussion. It will be hosted by Jillian Blackwell, JILL TALK Conversation Strategist and Partner Sales Manager for Heartland District at Microsoft.

This series is designed to give women thought leaders and business onwers at platform where they can activate, accelerat and amplify their voices. 

JILLTalk speakers:
- Dana Harvey, Verve360 Media
- Monica Morgan, Monica Morgan Photography
- Leslie Andrews, Leslie Andrews Consulting LLC, Unicorn Sports Philanthropy



It has never been a better time to be a woman entrepreneur. In fact, women own 36% of all businesses, according to the 2012 U.S. Census ‒ a jump of 30% over 2007. The number of businesses owned by African American women has grown 322% since 1997, making black females the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., per Fortune Magazine. In addition, within the past seven years, Detroit has become known both as the Wild West and the land of opportunity for business founders, a significant proportion of them female. 

Although these numbers are impressive, economists and academics agree women entrepreneurs are still an under-tapped force that can rekindle economic expansion if given an opportunity to lead. Why are women under tapped and underserved? Could it be that women aren’t seen as thought leaders, or leaders within their industry? During Detroit Startup week, women will have their voices heard. 

Young and hungry businesses should look outside of the USA for business and clients. That is what I did back in 2002, now most of my sales come from overseas. There is a methodology to breaking through the cultural and economic barriers to get your service or product into the 7 billion folks who live outside the USA 

By looking outwards, like Canada or Europe, Detroit Entrepreneurs can grow their business by flipping the script. The Detroit brand is hot, and people overseas like the scrappy rise from the ashes zeitgeist that Detroit represents. 

I am in the swag business, but my methods can be translated into the audience members industry and be made to work. 

The Google My Business and AdWords talk will be a workshop-style session meant to give start-ups the tools they need to succeed in the online marketing ecosystem. This session will teach companies how to successfully show up on Google Search and Google Maps, and how they can harness the power of online marketing to help customers find them.

Instant Google My Business Verification available immediately following information session

This talk will help Detroit business advertise effectively on Google using Adwords

"Good Manners will open doors that the best education cannot." - Clarence Thomas

With Detroit booming with so many new business owners, in Corktown, Midtown, Livernois, Grandmont etc, revitalization is ever so present daily. 

Proper business etiquette will prepare you to confidently interact with colleagues in ways that will enhance your career success, build better relationships, and make your workplace more pleasant. 

In this hour long seminar, you'll polish your professional presence with busines etiquette tips taught by a certified etiquette trainer.

The Google My Business and AdWords talk will be a workshop-style session meant to give start-ups the tools they need to succeed in the online marketing ecosystem. This session will teach companies how to successfully show up on Google Search and Google Maps, and how they can harness the power of online marketing to help customers find them.

Instant Google My Business Verification available immediately following information session

This talk will help Detroit business advertise effectively on Google using Adwords

The Google My Business and AdWords talk will be a workshop-style session meant to give start-ups the tools they need to succeed in the online marketing ecosystem. This session will teach companies how to successfully show up on Google Search and Google Maps, and how they can harness the power of online marketing to help customers find them.

Instant Google My Business Verification available immediately following information session

This talk will help Detroit business advertise effectively on Google using Adwords

The major issues and problems of pitching to investors in the today's startup scene. A talk about the best ways to reach investors and how to grab their attention. The 'How To' in raising funds for companies at any stage. The new way of connecting tech entrepreneurs and startups with investors and corporate ventures worldwide.

Detroit Entrepreneurs looking to raise funding for their startup or technology company and need access to investors. 

A talk on how to efficiently reach a large amount of vetted investors. Introduction to Sidepitch and platforms that will help startup companies reach the investors they are looking for.

Entrepreneurs wear a dozen hats, and this class will help you learn new ways to juggle them. Come learn how to shift the energy for yourself and your business. Drawing on techniques from a variety of sources ranging from meditation to Neuro-Lingusitic Programming (NLP), Jane Pierce shares tips developed over two decades as an educator and Reiki practitioner. If you find yourself drained after dealing with a difficult situation or unable to shut your brain off at the end of a long day, you need this class and the energy-shifting take-away lessons. Get the most out of your time by mastering ways to focus, relax or get a quick re-charge whenever needed.

• Jumpstart your day with simple morning tricks

• Regain your calm in the face of other people's frustrations

• Learn breathing techniques that promote relaxation

Jane empowers people to achieve their goals through self-knowledge and mastery because she believes that when you are in control of yourself, you'll build a better world.