Motor City Match helps Detroiter realize their dream of healthcare training school

Former high school dropout turned nurse Annette Anderson opens certified nursing assistant training program in Detroit
Program graduates over 70 students in first year, offering 4-week CNA boot camps
School helps address projected Michigan shortage of 2,520 CNAs by 2028, offering training in technical skills and professionalism
1st Step Healthcare Training was a Round 25 Motor City Match awardee and received a $20,000 grant that helped with the purchase of classroom equipment, furnishings and more
Motor City Match has awarded $19.1M in cash grants; 85% of overall winners are minority-owned businesses, 70% are women-owned and 67% are owned by Detroit residents

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and City of Detroit held a ribbon-cutting today for 1st Step Healthcare Training, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program launched by nurse turned entrepreneur Annette Anderson. The ceremony took place exactly one year from the day when Anderson first opened her doors. She intentionally delayed the celebration as she juggled multiple jobs to establish and grow her healthcare training facility into a sustainable business. Her success adds to Motor City Match’s impact, which has helped launch 178 businesses across Detroit.

Anderson dropped out in ninth grade and had a child at 16. She earned her GED at 18 and graduated from St. Clair Community College as a registered nurse. After eight years in nursing and receiving a $20,000 Motor City Match grant, she trains others for healthcare careers.

“Becoming a CNA changed my life, and now I’m helping others change theirs,” Anderson said. “Many of my students come to me without healthcare experience, but I push them to their fullest potential. If I could go from a high school dropout to a nurse, they can do it too.

1st Step Healthcare Training offers a four-week CNA boot camp program amid growing demand for healthcare workers. According to Mercer’s Future of the U.S. Healthcare Industry report, Michigan faces a projected shortage of 2,520 CNAs by 2028. Anderson’s curriculum focuses on technical skills and professionalism, addressing current staffing needs.

“I have had the most incredible experience with Ms. Annette,” said former student Tatianna Johnson. “She truly is a masterful teacher and her unique way of explaining concepts has given me a deep understanding of what it means to be an exceptional CNA.”

Anderson’s program has graduated more than 70 students in its first year, with many advancing to nursing or physician assistant programs. Seven more students graduated Friday at a ceremony that combined their celebration with the program’s ribbon cutting. Among those attending was Anderson’s longtime mentor, therapist Yvonne Williams-Houilles, who met her when she was 16 and encouraged her healthcare career.

“She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Anderson shared. “Every graduation she’s shown up to; CNA graduation, RN graduation – even when my own family didn’t show up, she showed up and always made me feel special for graduating. That’s why this day is dedicated to her.”

CNAs trained at Anderson’s school can earn $18-23 per hour locally, with travel assignments starting at $33 per hour. Anderson, who appears in the City’s Detroit For Life marketing campaign, says agency work can push wages even higher.

“Annette is creating opportunities for Detroiters to launch healthcare careers while meeting our hospitals’ staffing needs,” said Detroit’s Deputy Mayor Melia Howard. “This type of small business transforms neighborhoods and strengthens our healthcare workforce.”

1st Step Healthcare Training, located at 7800 Outer Dr. W in Detroit’s District 2, offers on-site and hybrid CNA programs lasting two to three weeks. The school also provides phlebotomy and EKG technician certification, with plans to add nursing courses in 2025. Anderson used her $20,000 Motor City Match grant for classroom equipment, furnishings and marketing.

“Annette’s journey shows what Detroit entrepreneurs can achieve with determination and support,” said Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services at DEGC, which manages Motor City Match. “1st Step Healthcare Training is opening career paths in healthcare while addressing our city’s medical staffing needs.”

Through 27 rounds of Motor City Match:     

· Total cash grants: $19.1 million (Total leveraged investment: $102.7 million)  

· 85 percent are minority-owned businesses  

· 70 percent are women-owned businesses  

· 67 percent are businesses owned by Detroit residents

About Motor City Match    

Motor City Match is a unique partnership between the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (EDC) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Competitive financial assistance is supported by a broad partnership of Southeast Michigan community development financial institutions and corporations including, Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, Ford Foundation, Hudson Webber Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, New Economy Initiative, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Motor City Match applications are available quarterly. More information is available at MotorCityMatch.com.