DNEP how to work with a student team at the University of Michigan (U of M)

Let our Professionals-in-Training Be Part of Your Journey!

Metro Detroit, Hamtramk, and Highland Park small business owners can receive year-round, no-application, no-cost practical and strategic support from University of Michigan students by:

Scheduling a free 1:1, in-person appointment with an Accounting Consultant,
Scheduling a free, 1:1, in-person appointment with one of the Community Tech Consultants,
Applying to get matched with a team of students in a faculty-supervised class via our Motor City Multipliers program,
Registering for one of our upcoming workshops or events, or
Downloading any of our Free Digital Resources.

View our 2025-2026 Catalog of Classes & Workshops

While U-M students’ services are paid for by contributions from philanthropy, alumni, corporations, and individual donors, the fair market value of professional services rendered by faculty-supervised teams ranges from $2,500-$25,000 per semester. Most businesses work with an average of three different student teams, in succession, to get the wrap-around support they need.

Get Started➡️ Fill out the Client Intake Form so we can learn more about your business & its needs!

Client Testimonials

Farmacy Food

Working with the U-M DNEP is almost like having a SWAT Team of talented individuals with diverse skill sets coming together to help you address your biggest challenges and develop new strategies. – Kwaku Osei

Mature

As an upcoming business what’s most valuable is to have resources and support systems in place. U-M has been a part of our support system and continues to help our business grow in many functional areas. – Darryl Humes

Gaddis Gaming

The information and help that the legal students provided us was invaluable and we now have intellectual property protection for all of our products! And, we understand how to take care of this process for future growth. – Lee Gaddies

Fahrenheit 313

The students that I worked with in the Ross School of Business were very talented and they brought a fresh perspective to my business model that I did not even realize I needed. I was blown away by the recommendations they gave for my business and I began to implement some of them immediately. – Fred Paul

AGI Construction

It has been a great experience working with DNEP and students. We are providing entrepreneur grit and experience, and in return the students are learning and contributing solutions beyond the textbook and their classroom and are strengthening Detroit businesses. – Tanya Saldivar-Ali

Sweet Dreamz Creamery

It is great to work with U-M students. The team provided creative advice and they understood the latest trends in marketing. – Carla Quarm