NextUP 313
NextUP 313 is building awareness among Detroit residents between the ages of 18-30 of the entrepreneurial opportunities in their city. Its programming empowers them to engage with existing design thinking, small business development, and technology startup incubation programs. This initiative will consist of online learning, optional networking events, microinternships for select participants, and a public conference.
Supporting Detroit's Emerging Entrepreneurs, Ages 18-30
Through the Office of Detroit Council Member At-Large, Mary Waters, NextUP 313 is building awareness among Detroit residents between the ages of 18-30 of the entrepreneurial opportunities in their city. Its programming empowers them to engage with existing design thinking, small business development, and technology startup incubation programs. This initiative consists of online learning, networking events, business training seminars, and microinternships (for select participants).
- Detroit Resident
- Between the Ages of 18-30
- Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation
The Benefits
- Educating Young Detroiters on the fundamentals of commerce and innovation
- Building connections to existing small business and technology startup resources
- Increasing professional development and industry awareness for future growth
- Highlighting successful companies that are owned and operated in Detroit
FAQs
NextUP313 provides support to Detroit's emerging entrepreneurs, ages 18-30 through education, funding, and professional networking opportunities. This program strives to ensure that each program participant feels empowered and is aware of Detroit's business regulations and support services.
A submission of an application is required for participation in the program’s microinternships, reception of business grant funding, or operation in one of our pop-up retail spaces. Individuals who do not apply to formally participate in the program or who are not Detroit residents between the ages of 18-30 are welcome to attend upcoming NextUP313 events.
Yes. NextUP313 provides grant funding to eligible emerging entrepreneurs through a scored application. The Round 2 Grant application is scheduled to open on August 26, 2026 and will close September 30, 2026. Follow our program's Linktree for upcoming information sessions and application assistance opportunities.
Detroit’s for profit and nonprofit companies can partner with NextUP 313 by one or more of the following ways:
1. Hosting a networking event that provides a tour of your business location, introducing participants to your company’s leadership and/or staff, and allows for the facilitation of a brief workshop for NextUP 313 participants.
2. Welcoming an intern, in-person, at your company’s workplace for 3-5 days, pairing the young entrepreneur with various staff members for the purpose of observation-based learning, activity-based learning, and general professional development.
3. Registering members of your company’s staff to serve as virtual mentors for the duration of the program or as in-person advisers during our June 5 conference
4. Co-branding or sponsoring video content within our online course and on social media channels
5. OR Serving as a financial or in-kind sponsor during our June 5 conference:
- Connect with attendees through a branded company booth. Increase awareness among emerging entrepreneurs of your company’s product or service
- Enjoy logo placement on program print material and venue décor during the conference
In the spirit of NextUP 313’s mission to integrate talented young people from Detroit into local programs and to encourage them to create and grow successful companies in each of Detroit’s seven council districts, all program participants will receive at least one outbound referral to an existing entrepreneurship development program that operates within the city of Detroit.
Referrals will initially be tracked for business entity legal formation, subsequent program participation and completion, revenue generation, part-time or full-time job creation, internship creation, subsequent business organization memberships and the status of a business’s operations.
Email our planning team at [email protected] in order to have us make a virtual or in-person presentation to the young people in your program or organization. We would love to connect with them.