This spring, I participated in two new TechTown Detroit programs aimed at producing more entrepreneurs, and hence more economic activity, in the Detroit area. Both of these programs seek to revitalize TechTown’s efforts to foster more high-potential technology businesses. I served as curriculum facilitator and instructor for the TechTown Venture Accelerator (TTVA) this past April and May. TTVA brought in several entrepreneur teams, and supplied those teams with financial support, mentoring, industry contacts, and instruction in the entrepreneurial process. The instruction was based on the ideas and methods of Steve Blank (“Startup Owner’s Manual”) and Alex Osterwalder (“Business Model Canvas”). Of course, where appropriate, I sprinkled in lessons from my years of experience starting and then selling Telecom Analysis Systems. Each accelerator participant received a complimentary copy of “Proving Ground: A Memoir” from the TechTown staff.
I also served as curriculum facilitator and instructor for the Launch Detroit student accelerator. This program, which began on May 28, brings together teams of talented college students who are interested in starting a business. Again, the student teams receive financial support, contacts, mentoring, and instruction.
Overall, these TechTown programs represent a good start, and an earnest effort to jack up entrepreneurial activity in the D. It is exciting to be a part of the effort, and I wish all the teams, and the staff at TechTown, much success.
See the very short video (below) from the second lecture session at TechTown Launch Detroit…