Tech workshops in Detroit given $1M boost from Black Tech Saturdays expansion funding
Detroit-based Tech Meetup for Creatives Secures $1 Million Grant
The Detroit-based tech meetup, Black Tech Saturdays, has secured a significant grant of $1 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This funding will be utilized for the expansion of the workshop program across the state.
Crain's Detroit Business reported that this is the largest single grant out of a total $6.8 million that the MEDC is distributing to 23 organizations as part of its Trusted Connector Grant program. The announcement was made on Wednesday.
With this grant, Black Tech Saturdays plans to run a pilot program in Detroit and Lansing. This program will feature 25-30 micro workshops focusing on founders over the summer. Founders Johnnie and Alexa Turnage aim to further expand the program by equipping founders and entrepreneurs through these micro workshops.
A portion of the grant, $150,000, will also be used for pitch competitions for founders at the monthly large meetups at Newlab, located at Michigan Central.
Alexa Turnage expressed her excitement about the investment, stating, "This investment is going to really catapult members of Black Tech Saturdays so they can learn new information, get more mentorships, and ultimately, where we can get more programming and workshops, too, so they can get more information and just get further faster with us as a community."
Founded in April 2023 by Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, Black Tech Saturdays has rapidly become a hub for budding entrepreneurs, attracting hundreds of people each week to its Saturday events. The program provides a space for Black tech enthusiasts to learn, innovate, and collaborate. Through workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs, it has aided entrepreneurs in securing deals and funding.
While the specific details about the grant are yet to be disclosed, this significant investment from the MEDC is expected to further enhance the efforts of Black Tech Saturdays by providing additional resources for programming, networking events, and support for startups, thereby amplifying the program's impact on the community.
- The community of Black Tech Saturdays, founded by Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, will utilize the $1 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to expand their workshop program across the state, with a focus on founders.
- The upcoming pilot program in Detroit and Lansing, funded by this grant, will feature 25-30 micro workshops aimed at founders over the summer, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and resources necessary for success in their businesses.
- In addition, $150,000 from the grant will be used for pitch competitions for founders at the monthly large meetups at Newlab, offering opportunities for showcasing innovative ideas and securing potential funding.
- With this investment, Black Tech Saturdays aims to promote diversity in technology, education, and self-development, providing mentorship, networking events, and technology resources to foster a thriving business community.
