Flint, Michigan- January 3, 2017 – The University of Michigan-Flint’s University Outreach will host a kickoff event January 26 to introduce a series of business boot camps to be offered in Flint neighborhoods this winter and spring.
For years, University Outreach has offered business workshops at the Innovation Incubator, nicknamed [IN], located on the UM-Flint campus. Now it is taking IN on the Road, a 5-session workshop series, to convenient locations in Flint. Community members can take advantage of an intensive training in starting a business and financial literacy.
The January 26 kickoff, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will be held at Berston Field House in Flint. The event will include refreshments and allow the community to ask questions about the program. There is no charge to participate.
The first IN on the Road business boot camp will run February 20-24 at Joy Tabernacle. It will be offered at Holmes STEM Academy in March; and Asbury United Methodist in June. The boot camps are offered at no charge to the public.
In June, teenage boot camp participants will be eligible to compete for prizes to help fund their start-up. Adult participants are eligible to receive bus passes to travel to University Outreach’s Innovation Incubator for additional business assistance after the boot camp.
“We heard from our stakeholders there was a need for financial literacy and entrepreneurship training throughout the city. But often, a lack of reliable transportation can be a barrier for community members,” said Nic Custer, program liaison. “So we decided the best option would be to take our business counseling on the road and work with residents and business owners in their own neighborhoods so as many people as possible can access the service.”
The IN on the Road program is funded through support from the Ruth Mott Foundation and UM-Flint. Participation is free but registration is required at go.umflint.edu/road.
About the Innovation Incubator
The University of Michigan-Flint University Outreach connects campus and community to support learning, collaboration and partnerships. One of its programs, the Innovation Incubator, helps students and community members start businesses and non-profits. The public is invited to use the co-work space free of charge weekdays at Northbank Center, Suite 207, 432 N. Saginaw Street.
