Detroit, MI – June 23, 2025 – BUILD Institute, a non-profit leader supporting entrepreneurship in Detroit and beyond, is thrilled to announce Aaron W. Jackson as their new Executive Director. As a passionate leader and visionary, Aaron brings over 17 years of experience in economic development, finance, and entrepreneurship to the central leadership role at BUILD Institute.
As Executive Director, Aaron will lead the organization forward in its commitment to serving entrepreneurs through an array of resources including entrepreneurial education, capital funding, one-on-one business coaching, and more. Aaron also brings years of experience as a BUILD program facilitator, making him uniquely qualified to identify innovative and valuable pathways to serving entrepreneurs. In 2025 alone, BUILD launched new programs and resources for growth-stage businesses, senior citizen entrepreneurs, and secured long-term funding from several new funders including the Gilbert Family Foundation.
Most recently, Aaron made waves as the Director of the Michigan Good Food Fund, where he spearheaded a groundbreaking $30 million public-private initiative that champions food and farm entrepreneurs across the state. His approach to inclusive investment strategies unlocked over $6 million in capital through game-changing tools like loan guarantees and interest rate buydowns.
Prior to his role at the Michigan Good Food Fund, Aaron held a position developing and managing entrepreneurial support programs at the University of Michigan Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project bringing together research, curriculum, and practical support for business owners throughout Detroit. Earlier in his career, Aaron took on a pioneering role in designing a statewide entrepreneurship curriculum for Michigan Rehabilitation Services, creating pathways for individuals with disabilities to achieve self-sufficiency through business ownership.
In recognition of his work, Aaron has been honored with several awards, including the Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40, the Transformative 25 Award, and a formal resolution from the Wayne County Commission for his contributions to economic development in the region. Aaron holds a B.S. and MBA in International Business, as well as a Juris Doctor in Law, and is set to enrich his leadership skills further as a fellow in the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program at Harvard Business School.
“I’ve walked alongside dreamers at BUILD Institute — guiding them as ideas took root and blossomed into impact,” said Jackson. “As a longtime facilitator, I’ve felt the heartbeat of BUILD’s legacy. Now, I have the honor of leading this work into its next chapter. My vision is bold yet grounded: to transform belief into a blueprint, to scale from local roots to impact in Detroit and beyond, and to build a future where entrepreneurship drives economic justice.”
Camille Walker Banks, interim BUILD CEO and Board Chair, expresses that “in this pivotal moment for Detroit’s and southeast Michigan’s entrepreneurs, Aaron W. Jackson is exactly the leader BUILD needs—bold, strategic, and deeply rooted in community. His ability to navigate complex systems and champion equity will power a new era of inclusive growth and design thinking across the region.”
BUILD Institute and its Board of Directors are confident that Aaron will guide the organization into a period of sustainable growth and meaningful impact in our beloved small business ecosystem.
About BUILD Institute
Founded in 2012, BUILD Institute is a non-profit resource hub and incubator for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their businesses. With a focus on opportunity creation and equitable impact, BUILD executes its mission by providing education, mentorship, capital, and other resources to business owners at every stage of their development. While many of its programs focus within the city of Detroit, BUILD Institute has expanded to other entrepreneurial communities across the state of Michigan and beyond.
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