Build Institute

Specialties

Great Ideas Start With Build.

We help people turn their business ideas into reality by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support network in Detroit. To date, we have graduated over 400 aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs from our classes, many of whom have gone on to start successful businesses in the city. In addition to classes, we offer networking events, mentorship, connections to resources and a nurturing community that allows ideas to develop and flourish over time. With a little support, a lot of hard work, and a friendly nudge, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.

History

Established in 2012.

Build was started in January 2012 as a program of D: hive, a welcome center and resource hub located downtown. The classes, called Build Basics, are based on national standards for entrepreneurship education. The first class in Detroit was offered in the spring of 2012 and since then demand has grown tremendously. Classes are now offered every season and have expanded beyond the core curriculum to include Build Social, a class focused solely on social entrepreneurship, as well as satellite classes offered in Hamtramck and Livernois.

Meet the Business Owner

April B.

Business Owner

April was a founding team member of D: hive, where she was Director of Small Business Initiatives and helped launch the Build program. She is also the co-​creator of a number of small-​scale ventures including the award-​winning family Hootenanny kids concert series and CD, the critically acclaimed Indonesian pop-​up restaurant Komodo Kitchen and the all mom rock band The Mydols– featured on the Cable television series Gene Simmons Family Jewels. She sits on the board of Kiva Detroit and the advisory board for Ponyride. She is also co-​owner and investor in Gold Cash Gold, building and restaurant, in Corktown.