BUILD Class Registration

Not sure which class is right for you? Scroll down to view our class comparison chart!

Summer 2025

August Kiva Info Session

In need of up to $15,000 for your business?

Kiva loans have 0% interest, no credit requirements, and have a wide range of applications.

On August 11th, from 6p-7p, BUILD Institute is holding a Free Virtual KIVA Info Session! Come and learn about Kiva Crowdfunded Loans, 0%-interest, no credit requirements, and a great starting point for early-stage funding.

Our Capital Director, Onni Stone, will walk you through the process and answer any questions you have!

Find out more about how crowdfunding works, how Kiva can fit into your capital stack, how the application process works, and how to prepare for funding.

Over 390 entrepreneurs have secured Kiva funding through BUILD Institute and you could be next!

BUILD Master Class - Content Creation

This Master Class will help entrepreneurs understand the fundamentals of content creation for marketing your small business. You’ll learn about the best strategies to make meaningful, engaging content, how to diversify the types of content you post, and start creating your content calendar! This Content Creation Master Class is the last session in a 3 part marketing master class series facilitated by Lawrielle West, experienced entrepreneur and marketing guru.

Fall 2025

BUILD Master Class - Financial Modeling

This Master Class will help entrepreneurs understand the fundamentals of financial modeling and how to use these models to better understand their business finances and how utilize financial models to grow their business. Facilitated by business finance expert Damon Thompson, participants will leave with the tools and knowledge necessary to level up their business with financial modeling.

PNC Workshop - How Businesses Use Credit

In this workshop, business owners will learn the types of credit available to a small business owner such as lines of credit, credit cards and term loans, as well financing options from the Small Business Administration. Participants will learn how to:

Define credit
Understand the different ways small businesses use credit
Explain why businesses use credit

BUILD Basics Romulus - Fall 2025

September 9, 2025 - October 28, 2025
In Person at NEST (11189 Shook Road Romulus, MI 48174)
Tuesdays, 6pm - 8:30pm
FREE for accepted applicants (powered by MEDC SBSH program)
Facilitated by Janae' Griggs

Are you an aspiring or established entrepreneur in Outer Wayne County looking to develop your comprehensive business plan alongside like-minded peers? BUILD Institute is excited to announce our fall cohort of BUILD Basics in Romulus!

In order to be eligible for this program, applicants must:

Have a residential and/or business address located in Wayne County
Complete the application in full no later than September 2, 2025

Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait – apply today!

For this program, preference will be given to applicants located outside the city of Detroit, as the goal of this program is to bring BUILD’s resources to entrepreneurs in Outer Wayne County. If you are a Detroit-based business, please scroll to the next BUILD Basics cohort offering listed below.

BUILD Basics - September 2025

BUILD Basics is an 8-week cohort class designed to help aspiring or established entrepreneurs work through everything they need to complete their business plan, such as licensing, market research, business financials and more! Participants will leave the class with a completed business plan, a cohort of fellow entrepreneurs in Detroit, and the knowledge and confidence to take your idea to the next level. Graduating from BUILD Basics qualifies entrepreneurs to apply for exclusive BUILD Alumni funding options.

BUILD Master Class - Email Marketing

This Master Class will help entrepreneurs understand the fundamentals of email marketing and how to utilize email marketing to grow their business and increase sales. Facilitated by small business marketing expert Cierra Seay, participants will leave with the tools and knowledge necessary to understand best practices in email marketing and how to implement email marketing in their small business.

PNC Workshop - Small Business Financial Emergencies

In this workshop, business owners will learn about types of financial emergencies that can occur and how these emergencies can impact their businesses. Participants will learn strategies they can use to protect themselves from financial emergencies before they occur as well as how to prepare for financial emergencies by creating a personalized financial plan. Participants will learn how to:

Understand the risks small businesses may face during a financial emergency.
Prepare for financial emergencies by creating a personalized plan.
Seek out and access resources provided specifically for small businesses.

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