University of Michigan’s DNEP and BoodleBox Partner to Bring AI Tools to Detroit Small Businesses
UMich Students to help 120+ Detroit businesses scale their impact, supported by AI solutions.
Ann Arbor, MI [August 28, 2025] – The Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project (DNEP) at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and BoodleBox, a leading collaborative AI platform, are partnering to provide Detroit’s small businesses with free access to cutting-edge AI tools and training. Together, DNEP and BoodleBox are taking a significant step forward in democratizing access to resources that can help local entrepreneurs thrive.
The partnership will kick off in September with a series of customized workshops called “AI Show & Tell” that are open to all Detroit-area entrepreneurs. Through this initiative, 120 Detroit businesses—ranging from salons and restaurants to retail shops and construction companies—will gain hands-on experience with industry-leading AI models, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and more, through BoodleBox’s secure platform.
“Detroit’s entrepreneurs are building the future of the city’s neighborhoods, creating jobs and strengthening communities,” said Jerry Davis, Faculty Director at DNEP. “By partnering with BoodleBox, we will help small businesses elevate their game and accelerate their growth.”
Since 2016, DNEP has connected more than 1,200 Detroit businesses with free consulting services to address entrepreneurs’ business, financial, legal, operational, technological and design challenges. DNEP deploys 500 students each year as professional service providers, in this innovative model, in long-term relationships. By incorporating AI through BoodleBox, the program evolves to meet the changing needs of today’s entrepreneurs while maintaining its proven approach to business support.
Robyn Childers, co-owner of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness Center, in Detroit’s and a DNEP client since 2022, exemplifies the program’s impact. “We were looking for help with customer acquisition and retention, and turned to the incredible Ross students,” Childers said. “Their research provided tremendous insight which led to the development of our current customer engagement optimization strategy, increasing our revenue by 30% within 10 months of implementation. We love DNEP!”
University of Michigan students benefit equally, gaining real-world experience applying solutions to authentic business challenges. Students from multiple disciplines work directly with entrepreneurs, developing technical skills and practical business experience.
“What excites us about this partnership is DNEP’s proven track record of meeting businesses where they are,” said France Hoang, CEO at BoodleBox. “Together, we’re making sure AI tools are accessible and practical for the everyday challenges these entrepreneurs face.”
By combining DNEP’s community-rooted approach with BoodleBox’s cutting-edge AI platform, this partnership ensures that Detroit’s small businesses aren’t just keeping pace with technological change—they’re leading it. For more information or to register, visit DNEP.umich.edu.
About DNEP
The Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project (DNEP) at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business creates meaningful partnerships between students and Detroit entrepreneurs. Since 2016, DNEP has provided free business support services while offering students hands-on experience, skill development, and the opportunity to make meaningful community impact.
Workshop details are posted at DNEP.umich.edu/events
About BoodleBox
BoodleBox is the leading collaborative AI platform built in partnership with higher education, serving over 10,000 educators and students across 900+ colleges and universities. It empowers faculty and students to work responsibly with generative AI through private, secure, and affordable access to leading AI models. Through education, collaboration, and responsible innovation, BoodleBox is helping shape a future where humans and AI work together to solve our greatest challenges.
Learn more about BoodleBox at boodlebox.ai
Media Contacts:
Christie Baer, Managing Director, Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project, University of Michigan, [email protected], 734-763-4687
BoodleBox Media Team, [email protected]
In our students’ one-on-one work with hundreds of Detroit entrepreneurs, we are seeing growing pressure on business owners to do more with less. Boodlebox’s customized Boodlebots – such as the Rolebot Business Plan Consultant or the Rolebot Branding Consultant – could be a game changer for businesses at all stages of growth. We are thrilled to be able to offer these tools to our clients – and the workshops are going to be crazy fun, too.”
Christie Baer
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project
