Have you ever thought of starting a business that addresses a social problem or provides an unmet need in the community? Then you might be a social entrepreneur. Would you like help understanding how you might turn your idea into a social venture? Then join us for a business and entrepreneurship planning course developed especially for social workers and other helping professionals including nursing, education, and public health.

The Social Entrepreneurship Committee at the School of Social Work at Wayne State University wants to help you explore your social venture idea. We are partnering with The Build Institute, a business development services organization based in Southwest Detroit that promotes equitable entrepreneurship, to offer both nascent and established entrepreneurs a customized business development training course called Build Impact. It is a non-credit course developed by the Build Institute that is available to any helping professional interested in starting or growing a business with a social impact.

If you’ve ever contemplated starting a business or organization with a social mission purpose, this specially designed non-credit class is for you. The course will be taught by local experts and cover all the basics of starting a business or social venture. The curriculum is a learner-centered, hands-on, and activity-based, so you’ll be doing as much as you’ll be listening. We’ll provide you with a Build binder that includes lessons, resources, and a sample business plan for you to fill out as we go. You’ll be exploring your idea with a small supportive and caring cohort. You’ll leave the class with a completed business plan, and the knowledge and confidence to take your idea to the next level.

“Build Institute helped me by providing peer support and hands-on exercises necessary for me to first determine whether our business idea was viable, and secondly, to put together a business plan.” - Kirsten Ussery, Detroit Vegan Soul

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DATE & TIME: Nine-week course on Thursday nights from February 3 to March 31, 2022 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm EST

LOCATION: Zoom

COST:  $350

REGISTRATION: Seats are limited. Register by January 31, 2022 

THE BUILD INSTITUTE: Great ideas start with Build. The Build Institute helps people turn their business ideas into reality by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support network in Detroit. They have graduated over 1400 aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs from their classes, many of whom have gone on to start successful businesses in the city. In addition to classes, they offer networking events, mentorship, connections to resources and a nurturing community that allows ideas to develop and flourish over time. Build believes with a little support, a lot of hard work, and a friendly nudge, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact Marijo Upshaw at mjupshaw@wayne.edu or 313-676-2885.