+Impact Studio for Local Business

DNEP +Impact Studio summer internship kicks off in May with 15 interns
April 28, 2023June 13, 2024

In just two weeks, the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project’s +Impact Studio (DNEP+ISLB) summer internship will kickoff, bringing in 15 interns to consult for a select portfolio of Detroit small business owners. The internship will run from May 9th to July 14th, during which University of Michigan students partner with Detroit entrepreneurs to diagnose business problems and co-create solutions.
While it’s not unusual for universities to partner with local entrepreneurs, working on projects with students throughout the school year, the DNEP+ISLB program is unique in that it enables Detroit entrepreneurs to receive year-long support, beyond the constraints of the normal academic calendar. …

Read More DNEP +Impact Studio summer internship kicks off in May with 15 interns
U-M students create new how-to guides and equitable business models for green energy businesses to help Detroit entrepreneurs take advantage of new federal funding
February 24, 2023June 13, 2024

“The Inflation Reduction Act sounds really boring,” says Michigan Ross professor Jerry Davis, “but it’s actually a big stack of money for green energy businesses. If you read through it, it’s easy to think of dozens of ways that this could benefit a city like Detroit.”
Davis and his colleague, Cat Johnson, of Michigan Ross’ Business+Impact designed a class to do just that. The class, BA670: +Impact Studio Designing Equitable Enterprises, teaches teams of grad students from all majors how to use equity-centered design thinking to develop businesses that improve communities. This year’s focus is on the green energy transition in …

Read More U-M students create new how-to guides and equitable business models for green energy businesses to help Detroit entrepreneurs take advantage of new federal funding
Clients wanted to work with interdisciplinary teams of U-M students this summer
April 28, 2022June 13, 2024

Beginning May 4, the University of Michigan’s Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project (DNEP) will offer free services to Detroit small businesses and non-profits through its DNEP +Impact Studio for Local Business 2022 (DNEP +ISLB) internship program. DNEP +ISLB is a pro bono implementation-focused program for Detroit neighborhood-based businesses that need talent and capacity to activate something challenging in their business. DNEP hires a team of 18 U-M undergraduate students, guided by business and design faculty and DNEP staff, to implement marketing and operations projects. Students work with businesses in intense bursts of 1-2 weeks from start to finish.
This year, students will …

Read More Clients wanted to work with interdisciplinary teams of U-M students this summer