Join TechTown Detroit to celebrate the hustle and hard work of 17 Retail Boot Camp (RBC) graduates at the program’s 14th cohort showcase. 

The SHOP at Showcase starts at 4:30 p.m., offering an opportunity to meet, shop and sample goods and services from the hottest new businesses in Detroit retail while enjoying light refreshments. At 6 p.m., participants will pitch their business on stage and answer questions from the judges. See how these businesses will make their visions a reality with what they learned during RBC.

Five standouts will each win a $5,000 Kickstart Award, and one People's Choice Award winner will be chosen BY YOU during the event to receive $1,000! Make a donation with your RSVP to the Kickstart Award fund, and know that all graduates will continue their journey after RBC with TechTown at their side.  

You can also watch a livestream of the Showcase at techtowndetroit.org/live. You’ll be able to watch all the pitches and vote for the People’s Choice Award during the livestream.

Event timeline: 

• 4:30-5:45 p.m.: The SHOP at Showcase and light refreshments (open to the public) 
• 6-8 p.m.: Pitches + Q&A | People’s Choice Voting | Judges’ Deliberation | Winners Announced 

For years, TechTown has helped RBC graduates open competitive retail businesses in a fast-changing environment. Now, it is more important than ever that we double down on what we know works: inclusive educational opportunities that help rebuild our economy on a foundation of equity that gives everyone a pathway to succeed. 

Retail Boot Camp is made possible with support from: 

JP Morgan Chase Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, New Economy Initiative, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and The Walters Family Foundation