TechTown Helps Revitalize Detroit

Nov 28, 2012

Michigan SmartZones

In 2000, with the goal of boosting new business growth, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation created the Michigan SmartZone network. This network is comprised of 15 SmartZones that each contain an academic institution and have specific regional revitalization and business development goals. The TechTown SmartZone has partnered with Wayne State University and covers most of Detroit including our U-Haul building. It is exciting to join a community where great revitalization efforts have already begun!

Recently, TechTown has began focusing its revitalization efforts in Brightmoor. This area in northwest Detroit, like many, is battling a high level of unemployment, crime and abandoned homes. But, TechTown is actively working with small business owners to help revitalize this community.

With the aid of a $150,000 grant, TechTown continues to work towards it’s mission of supporting small business and entrepreneurs not just in Brightmoor, but throughout Detroit.

“TechTown is a marketplace full of resources to provide entrepreneurs with what they need when they need it. Its aim is to meet you where you are and connect you to resources to propel you to success. The entrepreneurial journey starts with an idea, and execution is the bridge that leads to realized dreams. It is the bridge of execution that TechTown aims to support.” – TechTown website

If you are interested in how TechTown can help your small business, check out their website.

– Jennifer

What kind of small businesses do you think Detroit needs? Do you run a small business and could benefit from TechTown support? How do you think the addition of moving services and self-storage will help small businesses and the community?  We’d love to hear from you! 

More articles like this one…

What’s New

Team U-Haul Serves Dinner to the Homeless at Andre House

Team U-Haul Serves Dinner to the Homeless at Andre House

U-Haul Team Members prepared and served 562 meals on Feb. 11 at André House, helping to feed Phoenix’s homeless population. The local nonprofit helps those in need by providing meals, showers and more at no cost. One of the hallmarks of André House is the...

U-Haul Climbs South Mountain, Raises Funds to Fight Cancer

U-Haul Climbs South Mountain, Raises Funds to Fight Cancer

More than 50 U-Haul Team Members woke early on Feb. 22 to scale a 5.5-mile route up and down South Mountain’s Summit Road in Phoenix, Ariz. This quest was more than some Saturday morning exercise routine. It was a climb for a cause: the fight against cancer. U-Haul...

Jay Harris Honored as 2024 U-Haul Volunteer of the Year

Jay Harris Honored as 2024 U-Haul Volunteer of the Year

Jay Harris, program manager for the U-Haul Digital Asset Management team, has always loved giving back and serving others. “I started out volunteering as a kid by tagging along with my mom at the local Ronald McDonald House,” Harris said. “Since then, I’ve made it a...

U-Haul Growth Index: Alberta Top Province, Calgary Top City of 2024

U-Haul Growth Index: Alberta Top Province, Calgary Top City of 2024

Alberta is the leading Canadian growth province for the second straight year, according to U-Haul® Growth Index data analyzing for one-way customer transactions during 2024. Alberta’s two largest cities, Calgary and Edmonton, are also the top two growth cities in...

U-Haul Growth Index: South Carolina Named Top Growth State of 2024

U-Haul Growth Index: South Carolina Named Top Growth State of 2024

The trend of southern states netting larger numbers of one-way U-Haul® customers continued during 2024, with South Carolina topping the U-Haul Growth Index for the first time. Texas, North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee round out the five leading growth states....