Community Tech Consulting
Free Tech Training by Detroiters, for Detroiters
Community Tech Consultants (CTCs) offer FREE one-on-one training to help Detroit entrepreneurs get comfortable using technology to improve their business. DNEP is the convener for this collaboration between the University of Michigan, Jefferson East, Inc., and Live6 Alliance.
CTCs are self-taught, tech-savvy Detroiters with the resourcefulness to resolve business technology challenges and the patience to teach business owners—or their staff—in a supportive way.
Services
Community Tech Consultants provide free, one-on-one training in a relaxed, accessible space. There’s no limit on appointments, as long as you keep them and we’re making progress.
Popular things CTCs can teach you to do:
- Update websites: change text, add images, improving SEO
- Explain what SEO is
- Create social media images and automate posts
- Set up automated templates in Gmail or other systems
- Retrieve and organize data from apps or platforms
- Use DocuSign to sign loan documents
- Use ChatGPT, Gemini, NotebookLM, or other AI agents
How it Works
Services are grant-funded as part of the larger research project, and offered at no-cost.
- Schedule Online. Book an in-person intake appointment with:
- Martina or Donovan at Live6 Alliance, or
- Diamond at Jefferson East, Inc.
- Intake Meeting. You’ll complete a Business Intake Form and a comprehensive diagnostic interview—like a 30-point inspection from your mechanic. Your CTC will then work with you to set and prioritize a scope of work. One-time fixes get handled on the spot; recurring tasks become teaching opportunities, in the moment or at a follow-up.
- Recommendations and Implementation. Before your second meeting, your CTC will research options and prepare recommendations or how-to materials. Depending on complexity, you might resolve the issue at that meeting or schedule a follow-up.
What CTCs Don’t Do
We are not an IT help desk and can’t troubleshoot in real time or over the phone.
CTCs don’t do design work or update websites FOR YOU—but they will teach you (or your team) content creation, website updates, free social media tools, and how to read analytics. The purpose of this program is to empower you to do it on your own!
Exception: if you need a website, but don’t have time to research platforms, CTCs research and make a recommendation.
Research & Publications
- “Community Tech Consultants help Detroiters thrive online,” Lauren Slagter for University of Michigan Poverty Solutions, January 2026.
- “Community Tech Workers” Scaffolding Digital Engagement Among Underserved Minority Businesses,” Julie Hui, Kristin Seefeldt, Christie Baer, Lutalo Sanifu, Aaron Jackson, Tawanna R. Dillahunt, academic paper awarded an Honorable Mention and Impact Recognition at the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, October 4, 2023
- “I was able to give her the confidence”: Reciprocal Capacity Building in a Community-based Program for Digital Engagement, Julie Hui, Kristin Seefeldt, Lutalo Sanifu, Christie Baer, Jeanette Szomstein, Tawanna R. Dillahunt, academic paper awarded an Honorable Mention at 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, May 11, 2024
How the Program Started
In 2021, in partnership with Jefferson East, Inc., University of Michigan researchers developed the Community Tech Worker program. Rooted in the Community Health Worker model, it pilots a workforce development approach moving Detroiters without good tech-related jobs. The research team spans public policy, social work, computer science, law, community engagement, and urban planning. In the 2.0 expansion to Live6, the program was renamed Community Tech Consulting to reflect CTCs’ research and advisory role, and CTCs were provided limited training by U-M faculty and staff.
The initial pilot with Jefferson East, Inc. (2021-2023), funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, supported 273 small businesses. In 2025, with grant funding from the National Science Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and New Economy Initiative, DNEP and Jefferson East expanded the partnership to include Live6 Alliance, covering both the east and west sides of Detroit.
Metro Detroit business owners and nonprofit leaders can book as many appointments as needed—no cost, no sales pitch, no application. Just schedule!
Donovan Brown
community tech consultant and technology program manager, LIVE6 ALLIANCE
For 10 years, I’ve worked with local shops, service providers, creatives, and nonprofits—people who just want their tech to work. I speak your language (not jargon) and make sure you feel supported every step of the way. When our small businesses succeed, our whole community grows stronger.
Diamond Hatcher
community tech consultant, JEfferson East, Inc.
I’m passionate about empowering small businesses with the tools and strategies they need to thrive. I love all things tech and enjoy turning complex digital solutions into simple, practical wins for the communities I serve.
Martina Hinton
community tech consultant, LIVE6 ALLIANCE
As a creative and entrepreneur, I help local businesses thrive with simple, effective, and affordable tech solutions. I specialize in Shopify, Square, and Google My Business. Let’s work together.
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