TechTown Detroit has announced the 2026 cohort of 25 businesses for Detroit Elevate, a business growth initiative supported by the Gilbert Family Foundation.
The 2026 cohort is said to reflect the diversity and entrepreneurial energy of Detroit’s small-business community with industries ranging from construction, technology, and professional services to food, retail, beauty, and the creative arts.
The businesses selected for the 2026 Detroit Elevate cohort are:
- ADH Financial Services
- Alotta Locs
- Always IMPACT Construction Services
- Best Network Design, LLC
- B’Jeweled Jewelry & Accessories
- Jetta’s Gourmet Popcorn
- De Armas & De Armas Law, PLLC
- Eco-Environmental Solutions
- Heart of The City Photography with Tay Ford d/b/a Lee Media House
- Indigo Culinary Company
- Indie Fashion LLC
- Long For Homes LLC
- New Beginnings Landscape
- Pietrzyk iPierogi
- Pink Diamond Beauty Mall Detroit LLC
- Premier Contractors of Michigan, LLC,
- Presidential Construction Inc.
- R&L Color Graphics, Inc.
- Sacred LLC
- Shears And Shears LLC
- Signed By Bleuprnt LLC
- SkillSet Construction and Landscaping
- The Coloring Museum
- The Diamond Firm
- Upton Law PLLC
“Detroit’s entrepreneurs are building businesses that create jobs, serve neighborhoods, and contribute to the city’s economic growth,” says Marcus Reliford, director of business support and engagement at TechTown Detroit. “Through our Detroit Elevate program, we are providing these participants with practical tools, meaningful connections, and opportunities to sharpen their business strategies and prepare for their next stage of growth.”
Made possible by a $950,000 investment from Gilbert Family Foundation, Detroit Elevate advances the foundation’s commitment to economic opportunity for Detroit residents by equipping Detroit entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and networks needed to grow sustainable businesses.
“When entrepreneurs succeed, entire communities benefit,” says Linda Nosegbe, director of economic mobility for the Gilbert Family Foundation. “There is a lot of focus on new startups, but it’s important to remember that every growing business has the potential to create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen Detroit’s economy.
“Detroit Elevate gives critical second-stage entrepreneurs the practical resources, guidance, and support they need to grow their businesses, create new opportunities and expand their impact across Detroit.”
A key component of this year’s programming is Pitch Lab, a three-part workshop series designed to help entrepreneurs better communicate their business ideas.
During the first session, participants will learn how to structure a compelling business story, create a visually polished slide presentation, and deliver a confident pitch.
Interactive exercises and examples of successful funding pitches will help participants understand what makes a presentation effective and how to apply those lessons to their own businesses. In session two, participants will refine their messages into concise, memorable elevator pitches while learning how to communicate their purpose and connect authentically with an audience.
Attendees who complete the first two sessions will be invited to participate in the final Pitch Lab, where they will present before a panel of community leaders and receive individualized feedback in a real-world pitching environment.
Through Detroit Elevate, participants will have opportunities to develop their business skills, strengthen their messaging, expand their networks, and gain greater visibility within Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. For more information, visit DetroitElevate.org.
