Program Participant Application

Applicant Information

This application does not autosave your responses. Therefore you are encouraged to copy and past your long-form responses into a separate document that you can later access.

Decisions will be made and communicated by April 4 on applications submitted on or before March 21 at 5:00 pm. Applications received after the 21st will be assessed on a rolling basis, depending upon available participant slots.

First Name*

Last Name*

Are you the applicant or are you applying on the behalf of someone else*

Applicants are asked to complete their own applications.

Yes, I am the applicant

No, I am applying on behalf of a potential participant

Street Address - Residential*

Example: "123 Entrepreneur Avenue"

City - Residential*

State - Residential*

Zip Code - Residential*

Email Address*

This email address will be our primary means of contacting you with regard to your application. Please provide an email address you regularly check.

Phone Number*

Select your Date of Birth*

You may start typing your date of birth in the following formats in order to identify and select your date of birth in the calendar below:

01/01/1996
01/01/96

What was your actual or estimated personal income for 2024?*

Below $30,000

Below $60,000

Below $100,000

$100,000 or above

What was your actual or estimated household income for 2024*

Below $30,000

Below $60,000

Below $100,000

$100,000 or above

Are you between 18 and 30 years of age?*

Applicants are asked to submit proof that they were born before April 5, 2007 and born after April 5, 1995.

Yes

Do you currently own a home in the city of Detroit?*

Yes

Your Business Track Record

Do you currently own and operate a small business? Tell us about it.

Do you currently own or operate a business?*

Yes

No, I am only interested in learning entrepreneurship and innovation for right now

No, I previously operated a business that no longer functions

No, but I have a business idea that I would like to work on

What is the Business Legal Entity name?*

Does the Business possess a “Doing Business As” (dba) title or different Popular name?*

Yes

List the DBAs that are registered with your company

Describe your company in 5 words*

Describe your company in less than 150 words.*

Which stage is your business in?*

An idea but no legal entity or revenue

A business with revenue but no legal entity

Legal business entity but no revenue

Legal business entity with revenue

Does your company have a physical, public commercial location?*

No, but I would like to have a physical commercial location in the future

No, my business is home based or online only

No my business works out of a private space

Yes, my business operates out of a physical commercial location that serves the public

What is the Street Address for your company's commercial location?

Example: "123 Entrepreneur Street"

What is the City for your company's street adress?

What is the State for your company's street address

What is the Zip Code for your company's street address

Is your company certified with the City of Detroit’s Civil Rights and Inclusion Office?*

Yes

Has your company earned any revenue since its creation?*

Yes

Does your business have a logo?*

Yes

Does your business have a website OR at least one company social media platform?*

Yes

Please list the URLs for the website and social media platforms of your company.

How much revenue did your company earn in 2024?

How much revenue did your company earn in 2023?

Is your business headquartered in the City of Detroit?*

Yes

Is your business a franchiser or franchisee?*

Yes

List your standard business hours*

Has your company filed federal, state, and local taxes for 2023?*

Yes

Unsure

Do your company’s owners intend to maintain its Detroit headquarters and develop it within Detroit for 5 additional years?*

Not sure – I am open to relocating my headquarters to another city

No, I would like to eventually relocate my company headquarters outside of Detroit

Yes, I plan to keep my company headquarters in Detroit indefinitely

Your Professional and Innovation Track Record

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?*

Yes

From where did you receive your high school diploma or GED?

Did you graduate from a Detroit Public High School?*

Yes

Have you attended, completed or are you currently enrolled in a college or university?*

Yes, I received a degree of completion college/University

Yes, I attended but did not complete and am not currently enrolled

Yes, I am currently enrolled in a college or University

Please provide the name of the college or university you graduated from in addition to the degree your received.

List the name of college or university you completed, attended but did not complete, or are currently enrolled in.

Have you completed or attended a trade, vocational or professional career program?

Yes, I completed

Yes, I attended but did not complete

Yes, I am currently enrolled

Please list the additional professional training programs you have participated in:

Are you currently employed?*

Yes, I have full-time employment

Yes, I have part-time or temporary employment

No, I am currently unemployed

How open are you to adopting new and unfamiliar software or equipment?*

Not very interested – I do not need to learn new technology

Somewhat interested – I will learn new technology if necessary

Very interested – I love to learn new technology, even if it's unnecessary

Do you have an example of when you succeeded in organizing others to complete a group task?*

Yes

Please describe your example of when you succeeded in organizing others to complete a group task.

Do you have an example of a new product or service that you designed and succeeded in having others utilize or participate in?*

Yes

In less than 150 words, describe the new product or service that you designed and succeeded in having others utilize or participate in

Do you have an idea for a new product, service or community initiative that you are implementing or plan to implement?

Yes

In less than 150 words, please describe your idea for a new product, service or community initiative that you are implementing or plan to implement.

Goals and Interest in Entrepreneurship

Why do you want to join this program?*

Select all that apply to your response

To expand my professional network and gain mentorship.

To develop new skills, grow my business, and contribute to my community.

Primarily for funding, without much interest in other aspects of the program.

To explore new business opportunities without a specific goal.

What specific skills or knowledge do you hope to gain?

Select all that apply to your response

Networking and leadership skills.

Business planning, marketing, and financial management.

A better understanding of entrepreneurship, but no specific skills in mind.

I am not sure what skills or knowledge I hope to gain.

How do you foresee your business benefiting Detroit’s economy or community?*

Select all that apply to your response.

Supporting local suppliers and providing valuable products or services.

I don’t foresee my business making a direct impact on Detroit’s economy or community.

My company does not have a clear focus on Detroit - we benefit everybody.

Creating jobs and addressing a specific community challenge.

What is your timeline for implementing your business goals?*

My goals are longer-term, with no immediate timeline for implementation

I have clear, actionable plans to achieve my goals within the next 6–12 months

I have general goals but need help creating an actionable timeline

I do not currently have any plans for implementation

How committed are you to participating fully in the program?*

I will participate when I can, but my availability is limited.

I am uncertain about my ability to fully commit to the program.

I am committed but may have occasional conflicts.

I am fully committed to attending all sessions, completing assignments, and implementing feedback.

“I am applying to this program only to receive funding for my business or idea?”*

Indicate your agreement with this statement

Yes, I am uninterested in professional and business development opportunities

No, I am applying for professional and business development opportunities.

“I plan on attending virtual office hours, working with a mentor and reaching out for assistance to complete the virtual course if admitted. "*

Indicate your agreement with this statement

Unsure

Yes

Yes, but not often

Which of the following describes your interest in business ownership?*

I want to make as much money as possible, even if my profit-making negatively affects others

I want my business to be environmentally sustainable

I want my business to contribute to the local tax base

I want to create a positive and affirming workplace for future employees

I want to eventually create jobs in Detroit

I want to sell a product or service that adds convenience or efficiency of Detroiters

None of the above

Please Upload Required Documents

Proof of Age 18-30
Proof of Detroit permanent residential address
Proof of Ownership, if Applicable
Proof of CRIO Business Certification If Applicable
Proof of Business Revenue, if applicable

Drag and drop files here or

Community References

Please list Detroit-based community leaders or workers who can attest or verify to your positive character and professionalism

Reference # 1

Contact Person's First and Last Name,
Name of Contact's Organization
Organization's Detroit Mailing address
Contact Person's Email Address
Contact Person's Phone Number

Reference # 2

Contact Person's First and Last Name,
Name of Contact's Organization
Organization's Detroit Mailing address
Contact Person's Email Address
Contact Person's Phone Number

Conflict of Interest

Are you an employee, elected official or appointed official or officer of the City of Detroit government (the City)?*

Yes

Please explain your employment, election, or appointment in the City of Detroit government.

Are you a contractor affiliated with the NextUp 313 program?*

Yes

Please explain in what capacity you serve as a contractor for the NextUp 313 program.*

Are you the spouse or a dependent of an employee or board member of the DEGC, and DEGA, a contractor affiliated with the NextUp 313 Program, or a NextUp 313 Program lending partner or juror?

Yes

Please explain your relationship to an employee or board member that may have a conflict of interest regarding the NextUp 313 Program selection process.

Are you, the business for which you are filing this application, and/or any business in which you have an ownership interest on a federal debarred list, placed in ineligibility status, or suspended of federal money?

Yes

Please explain your federal debarment.

Application Terms and Conditions

Applications will be required for participation in the program. The terms and conditions below will apply to applications.

The undersigned Applicant hereby makes application to the Detroit Economic Growth Association (“DEGA”), a Michigan non-profit corporation managed by the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (the “DEGC”) on behalf of the City of Detroit (the “City”), and agrees to the following certifications:

1. NextUp 313 is a program created by the DEGA, operated with assistance from the DEGC through funding provided through the City of Detroit’s General fund for business-focused professional development and business support for Detroit residents between the ages of 18-30 who possess an interest in entrepreneurship, or who currently operate a small business or startup operating in the City of Detroit and are otherwise qualified for the Program. Copies of NextUp 313’s Guidelines are available online or at the office of the DEGC at 500 Griswold Suite 2200, Detroit, MI 48226.

2. By submitting an Application to participate in the Program, each individual submitting an application (an “Applicant”) agrees that it has read, accepted, and will abide by and be bound by, the terms and conditions set forth below (the “Conditions”).

3. In submitting its Application, Applicant understands and agrees:

That the purpose of this Program is to provide business-focused professional development and business support for Detroit residents between the ages of 18-30 who possess an interest in entrepreneurship or who currently operate a small business or startup operating in the City of Detroit

That the completed Application and the information submitted by Applicant therein is subject to the award documents and agreements which govern the Program, as the same may be amended from time to time.

That information submitted as part of the Application will be disclosed to appropriate staff of the DEGA, members of a selection committee or to public officials and may be shared with state, federal or local government agencies which have a financial role in the Program.

The DEGA reserves the right to make the final determination of any person’s or organization’s eligibility and/or qualifications for program benefits, and to make allocation of program benefits as it may, in sole discretion, deem appropriate.

The Program is void where prohibited by law or regulation, and that the Program and these Conditions are subject to modification, cancellation, or limitation at the DEGA’s sole discretion, with or without notice, including to persons who have already entered the Program.

The Program is open to current and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to learn the fundamentals of business operation, ownership, and growth.

Program participants and their associated business ventures, as applicable, may be required to be in good standing with the City of Detroit, Internal Revenue Service and the Michigan Department of Treasury and otherwise comply with any eligibility requirements set forth in the Program guidelines, application or other materials.

NextUp 313’s business support programming is available to young adult Detroit residents aged 18-30 that are:

Business Owners and other individuals who possess an interest in learning more about innovation, product/service design, and risk-taking;

Business owners whose ventures are located and headquartered in Detroit that at would like to grow and develop within the city for an additional 5 years;

Business owners whose ventures are majority owned by legal residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older as of the time of entry; and

Business owners whose ventures otherwise comply with any eligibility requirements set forth in the Program application or other materials.

The following individuals are not eligible to apply:

employees, elected officials or appointed officials or officers of the City government;

employees or board members of the DEGC;

employees or board members of the DEGA;

DEGA or DEGC contractors affiliated with the Program;

NextUp 313 Jurors;

spouses and dependents of

employees and board members of the City, DEGC, and DEGA;

(b) contractors affiliated with the Next Up 313 program; and

That its contact information will be entered into the DEGA’s client database for use by the DEGA, the DEGC and the City of Detroit in connection with compliance and other lawful purposes but will not be sold to any third parties.

The DEGA may, from time to time, require assurances from the Applicant that the Applicant has complied, is complying, and will comply with these Conditions. Organizers reserve the right, in their sole and unfettered discretion, to disqualify, and/or seek any and all remedies available from, any Applicant deemed to be

tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Program or any other DEGA purpose or activity;

attempting to defraud DEGA or the other program partners or participants;

violating the Conditions;

acting in an unprofessional or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person; or

associated or connected with any individual having done the above.

4.Applicant represents and warrants that:

The person executing the Application is duly authorized by Applicant to submit the Application and to bind it to these Conditions.

Its Application

(a) is original;

(b) was substantially created by the Applicant;

(c) was legally created and does not infringe the intellectual property , copyrights, privacy or publicity rights or any other legal or moral rights of any third party and Applicant has obtained all waivers and releases required of third parties, if any, for any of its Application content. DEGA shall not be responsible to a third-party for any Applicant’s failure to comply with this provision, and each Applicant agrees to indemnify DEGA for any such claim.

5. Background Check: Applicant acknowledges and agrees that, should it be preliminarily selected for an award, Applicant may be required to submit to a confidential background check to help ensure that the Applicant’s selection into the Program will not bring the DEGA, the DEGC, the City of Detroit or the Program into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, ridicule or reflect unfavorably on the DEGA, the DEGC, the City of Detroit, or the Program. In addition, the Applicant may be required to enter into or execute certain contracts or documents, including, among other things, terms governing the use of the award and certain releases of liability in favor of the DEGA, the DEGC and/or the City of Detroit.

6. Release: For good and valuable consideration, including participation in the Program, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Applicant hereby releases and forever discharges the DEGA, the DEGC and the City of Detroit, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, distributors, advertising and promotion agencies, employees and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”), from and against any and all causes of action, rights, claims or demands of any kind whether in tort or in contract, express or implied, known or unknown, which such Applicant have or may have against them, for personal injuries, death, damage or loss to personal property, or other harm or loss of any nature whatsoever sustained in connection with, or otherwise arising directly or indirectly from, claims, demands or causes of action that such Applicant may now have or may hereafter have for arising, resulting from or in connection with the Program including, but not limited to,

any Program-related activity or element thereof and the Applicant’s entry, participation, or inability to participate in the Program;

the violation of any privacy, personal, publicity or proprietary rights;

typographical errors in these Conditions or any Program promotional materials;

any change in the prizing (or any components thereof) due to unavailability, business or creative considerations, or due to reasons beyond DEGA’s control or as otherwise permitted in these Conditions;

any interruptions in or postponement, cancellation, or modification of the Program;

human error;

incorrect or inaccurate transcription, receipt, or transmission or any part of the Program entry;

any system, computer timing and/or dating mechanism, computer equipment, software, or Internet service provider utilized by the DEGA or by an Applicant;

interruption or inability to access the Program, or any Program-related web pages or any online service via the Internet due to hardware or software compatibility problems;

any damage to Applicant’s (or any third person’s) computer and/or its contents related to or resulting from any part of the Program;

any lost/delayed data transmissions, omissions, interruptions, defects, and/or other destroyed, incomplete, undeliverable or damaged Program Entries;

any wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omissions on the part of the DEGA, the DEGC and/or the City of Detroit, or any of their respective agents or employees;

the public voting or the tabulation of the votes, or

the selection by Organizers or its advisors of the award finalists.

7. Non-Discrimination: Applicant agrees, that it should it be selected for award, it will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicap or age in any aspect of the project and to comply with all federal, State and local laws regarding discrimination and equal opportunity in employment and credit practices, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and regulations pursuant thereto,.

8. The undersigned further certifies that the information contained in this application and in any attachments in support hereof is true, correct and complete to the best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief and agrees to notify the DEGA promptly in writing of any changes in this information, including any changes in the sources and uses of funding for the project. The undersigned agrees to immediately notify the DEGA of a cancellation of the project, or if the project will not be completed within the proposed time schedule.

9. Freedom of Information Act. The DEGA is a nonprofit working with a public entity. Certain documents in the DEGA’s possession may be subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). By agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, Applicant acknowledges that information submitted to the DEGA as part of the Application process may be subject to disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) unless such information is otherwise determined to be exempt from disclosure. DEGA will not disclose any information of Applicant it believes to be exempt under the FOIA but does not guarantee the confidentiality of Applicant’s submissions and specifically does not warrant that the Contract documents are exempted from disclosure under FOIA. No deviations may be requested related to this Section. Applicants should give specific attention to the identification of information furnished to the DEGA pursuant to this Application which they deem confidential, commercial or financial information, proprietary information, or trade secrets and appropriately marks such information prior to submission. Applicant should be prepared to provide justification why such marked information should not be publicly disclosed under the FOIA. Applicant is advised that, upon request from a third party, the DEGA is required to make an independent determination as to whether the information may or must be divulged to that party.

10. Indemnification. The undersigned applicant agrees to at all times indemnify and hold harmless the DEGA against all losses, costs, damages, expenses and liabilities of any nature or kind (including, but not limited to attorney’s fees, litigation and court costs, amounts paid in settlement, amounts paid to discharge judgment, and any loss from judgment) arising out of, or related to acceptance, consideration, approval or disapproval of this application.

11. Conflict of Interest

Disclosure that the applicant can be considered any of the following is required:

An employee or board member of the DEGC or DEGA

An employee, elected official or appointed official or officer of the City of Detroit government (the City)

A contractor affiliated with the NextUp313 Project

The spouse or dependent of an employee or board member of the City, DEGC, and DEGA, a contractor affiliated with the NextUp 313 Project, or a NextUp 313 partner or juror

debarment, suspension or placement in ineligibility status of HUD or any other comparable Federal government-wide list

Upon receipt of this disclosure, the Detroit Economic Growth Association (DEGA) will determine whether a conflict of interest exists and if the conflict can be mitigated and/or granted an exemption in accordance with DEGA policies and federal regulations.

Failure to disclose an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest may result in the rejection of a NextUp 313 application, termination of a NextUp 313 award, and/or the required repayment of any disbursed award funds, whether disbursed directly to the applicant or to a service provider on behalf of the applicant.

Do you agree and consent to the terms and conditions of the NextUp313 Application?*

Yes, I agree and consent

No, I neither agree nor consent

Send me a copy of my responses

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