Retail Boot Camp
Build the skills to grow your retail business.
A hands-on, expert-led training program designed for Detroit-area entrepreneurs ready to open or scale a brick-and-mortar retail business. Real tools. Real mentors. Real results.
500+
Entrepreneurs Trained
$0
Cost to Participants
8 Wk
Intensive Curriculum
Detroit
Community-Focused
About the Program
Detroit's premier training ground for retail entrepreneurs
Retail Boot Camp (RBC) is a free small business development program offered by TechTown Detroit. It was designed specifically for entrepreneurs who want to open or grow a retail storefront in Detroit's neighborhoods. From day one, you'll get direct access to experienced business coaches, retail industry experts, and a peer network of driven entrepreneurs just like you.
The program doesn't just teach theory — it puts you in the room with the people who've done it. You'll leave with a fully developed business plan, financial model, and the confidence to take your next big step.
Two Tracks, One Goal
Choose the path that fits your stage
Retail Boot Camp offers two distinct program tracks tailored to where you are in your entrepreneurial journey — whether you're just starting out or ready to scale an existing operation.
Retail Boot Camp Basics
RBC Basics
The essential foundation for aspiring retail entrepreneurs who are exploring or preparing to launch their first store.
4 Weeks
What you'll cover
- Introduction to retail fundamentals and business planning
- Understanding your customer and defining your niche
- Basic financial literacy: startup costs, margins, and cash flow
- Location scouting and neighborhood market analysis
- Introduction to branding, social media, and marketing basics
Best for
Apply to RBC Basics
Aspiring entrepreneurs at the idea or pre-launch stage who want a strong conceptual and strategic foundation before committing to the full program.
Retail Boot Camp Full
RBC Full Program
The comprehensive, intensive track for entrepreneurs committed to launching or scaling a Detroit retail business with full support.
8 Weeks
What you'll cover
- Everything in RBC Basics, expanded and applied in real time
- Full business plan development with coach feedback
- Financial modeling, funding strategies, and access to capital resources
- Lease negotiation, buildout planning, and vendor relationships
- Hiring, operations, inventory management, and POS systems
- 1-on-1 mentorship sessions with TechTown business coaches
- Pitch presentation to a panel of Detroit retail experts
Best for
Apply to Full Program
Entrepreneurs ready to take serious action — whether launching a first store or growing an existing one. Commitment required: approx. 8–10 hrs/week.
Side by Side
Not sure which track is right for you?
Feature
RBC Basics
4-week foundation track
RBC Full Program
8-week intensive track
Cost
Free
Free
Duration
4 Weeks
8 Weeks
Business Plan
1-on-1 Coaching
Financial Modeling
Pitch Presentation
Retail Fundamentals
Alumni Network
Certificate
Program Curriculum
Eight weeks of real-world retail training
Each session builds on the last, moving you from concept to confidence with hands-on work and direct expert input every step of the way.
Foundation Phase
Weeks 1–4 — Core Retail Skills
01
Business Concept & Market Validation
Define your retail concept, identify your target customer, and validate demand through structured market research.
02
Retail Finance Fundamentals
Understand startup budgets, gross margin, pricing strategy, and how to build a basic profit & loss projection.
03
Location, Lease & Real Estate
Evaluate Detroit neighborhoods, understand commercial lease terms, and negotiate from a position of knowledge.
04
Brand Identity & Customer Experience
Build a compelling brand identity, develop your store's visual presence, and design a customer experience that drives loyalty.
Launch Phase
Weeks 5–8 — Execution & Growth
05
Operations, Inventory & Technology
Set up your POS system, manage inventory efficiently, build vendor relationships, and create lean operating processes.
06
Marketing, Social Media & Community
Build a local marketing strategy, leverage social media, and connect your business to Detroit's community ecosystem.
07
Funding & Access to Capital
Explore financing options available to Detroit entrepreneurs — grants, CDFIs, SBA loans, and TechTown-connected resources.
08
Business Plan Pitch & Graduation
Present your complete business plan to a panel of retail experts, receive direct feedback, and celebrate your achievement.
What you graduate with
By the end of Retail Boot Camp, you won't just have knowledge — you'll have a complete, investor-ready business plan, a financial model built for your specific concept, and a network of peers, mentors, and TechTown supporters behind you.
- Complete retail business plan document
- Financial model with 3-year projections
- Brand identity and marketing strategy
- Access to TechTown's lending and capital partners
- Official TechTown certificate of completion
- Lifetime access to RBC alumni community
How to Apply
Applying is straightforward. Getting in is earned.
The application process is designed to find entrepreneurs who are serious, motivated, and ready to put in the work. Cohorts are kept intentionally small to ensure everyone gets real attention.
1
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with your business concept, personal background, and goals. No business plan required at this stage.
2
Intake Interview
A TechTown team member will schedule a 20–30 minute conversation to learn more about you and where you are in your journey.
3
Selection & Acceptance
Accepted applicants are notified by email and assigned to a cohort. Cohorts typically run every quarter.
4
Orientation
Meet your cohort, your coaches, and get everything you need to hit the ground running in Week 1.
5
Program Begins
Sessions start and the real work begins. Show up, engage, and commit — your business depends on it.
Eligibility Requirements
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Detroit-area resident or business owner (Detroit, Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County)
-
Planning to open or grow a physical retail storefront
-
Committed to attending all sessions (approx. 8–10 hours/week)
-
No prior business experience required — motivation and commitment matter most
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Preferably a BIPOC, women-led, or other underrepresented entrepreneur (priority given)
Program Schedule
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Sessions meet 2–3 times per week
-
Evening sessions available (6:00–8:30 PM)
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Hosted at TechTown Detroit, Midtown
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New cohorts launch every quarter
-
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Questions? We're here.
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Contact TechTown's program team directly for any application questions
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Monthly info sessions open to the public — attend before applying
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Email: rbc@techtowndetroit.org
Your retail business starts here.
Join hundreds of Detroit entrepreneurs who have turned their vision into a real, operating retail business through TechTown's Retail Boot Camp.
Free program. Detroit-area entrepreneurs only. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.