The Gilbert Family Foundation in Detroit has invested $615,000 in BUILD Institute, a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering aspiring and existing microentrepreneurs — business owners with limited capital and fewer than 10 employees.
The grant in intended to expand BUILD Institute’s programming, enhance organizational capacity, and provide critical resources for Detroit microentrepreneurs.
The funding will support initiatives focused on:
Increasing Capital Access: Providing grants and low-interest loans to microentrepreneurs. Delivering Educational and Business Development: Offering comprehensive training and resources to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Fostering Economic Growth: Empowering microentrepreneurs to grow their businesses, create jobs and build generational wealth within under-resourced communities in Detroit.
“Gilbert Family Foundation is committed to creating pathways to economic opportunity for all Detroiters,” says Laura Grannemann, executive director of the Gilbert Family Foundation. “BUILD Institute’s proven track record makes them an ideal partner to provide the critical resources needed to help emerging entrepreneurs thrive and create long term wealth for themselves and the broader community.”
Founded in 2012, BUILD Institute provides essential business training, funding, and support to Detroit entrepreneurs. The organization specializes in programs focused on business development, financial literacy, and strategic planning, ultimately enabling entrepreneurs to build sustainable, lucrative businesses.
“This generous grant from the Gilbert Family Foundation allows BUILD to significantly deepen our impact within Detroit’s entrepreneurial community,” says Camille Walker-Banks, interim president and CEO of BUILD Institute. “The funding will directly increase access to capital through grants and low-interest loans, expand our educational offerings and empower more microentrepreneurs to achieve economic self-sufficiency and generational wealth.”
By investing in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and job creation, Gilbert Family Foundation says it aims to drive sustainable economic growth and lasting prosperity across Detroit communities.
The foundation’s support for BUILD Institute is part of its $500 million, 10-year commitment — shared with Rocket Community Fund — to increase opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods.
For more information, visit buildinstitute.org.
