(DETROIT- June 25, 2015) TechTown Detroit is now accepting applications for its fall 2015 Retail Boot Camp, an intense, highly customized program that prepares serious, Detroit-based entrepreneurs with strong retail concepts for the successful launch of their brick-and-mortar business.

The program is open to businesses located in or willing to relocate to Detroit who have proof of retail experience, funding sources and a strong value proposition. Each three-hour class consists of coursework with business development and retail experts, and supported work on a business plan. Substantial out-of-class work will be required. Classes run from Sept. 14 through Nov. 3.

The program culminates with a Draft Day, where select graduates will be awarded packages valued at up to $7,500. This package may include subsidized permanent or pop-up locations, a point-of-sale system and an inventory subsidy. All graduates will receive a professional services package valued at $3,500. The cost for the eight-week course is $499.

Retail Boot Camp is a crucial part of TechTown's strategy to support local businesses and drive economic growth in Detroit's neighborhoods, said Regina Ann Campbell, TechTown's managing director of place-based entrepreneurship. We're looking for entrepreneurs with great ideas that address neighborhood needs. For those willing to put in the work, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn a retail idea into reality.

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of three information sessions across Detroit:

• Monday, June 29, at TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, June 30, at Always Brewing Detroit, 10180 Grand River Avenue, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 1, at Coffee and (___), 14409 Jefferson Avenue, 11 a.m. to noon

Retail Boot Camp partners include Airfoil Group, BUILD Institute, Hatch Detroit, Lifeline Business Consulting Service, ProsperUS Detroit, Revolve (a program of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation), Sadek Bonahoom PLLC, Small Business Development Center Michigan, Social Coop Media and Wayne Alumni Law Group.

Program sponsors are JPMorgan Chase Foundation, New Economy Initiative and Bedrock Real Estate Service.

Retail Boot Camp applications will be accepted through July 31, 2015. For more information, visit techtowndetroit.org/entrepreneur/blocks/retail-boot-camp/.

TechTown is Detroit's business innovation hub. As the city's most established business accelerator and incubator, TechTown connects startup, emerging and established businesses to a broad network of resources, catalyzing the local economy. TechTown is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in partnership with Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System and General Motors Corporation.