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Lost as a young entrepreneur? NextUP 313 has your back

  • Writer: DEGC
    DEGC
  • Jun 30
  • 2 min read

By: Jasmine Ramirez, DEGC Communications Intern


A month into my summer internship at Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, I’ve seen firsthand how the organization transforms entrepreneurs. But I never expected to become one of them. 


As a 22-year-old with dreams of opening a sustainable consignment shop, I felt lost. Who do you call when you have a business idea but zero experience? That changed when I attended the NextUP 313 Conference on June 12th. 


Launched this year by Councilmember Mary Waters in partnership with DEGC, NextUP 313 targets entrepreneurs ages 18-30 navigating Detroit’s small business landscape. It gives them direction on where to go, and I left inspired to continue my entrepreneurial journey. 


Here are 5 key takeaways that helped me:  


  1. Real mentors, real talk. Having a mentor can be a gateway into Detroit’s business world. Mentors can explain the do’s and don’ts of launching a business while revealing their go-to contacts for support. 

    Breadless CEO, Marc Howland speaking into a microphone at the NextUP 313 Conference

 

  1. Network like your future depends on it. Because it does. In the business world, networking is everything. It’s how people land jobs, get internships, meet investors and collaborate with others. Building your relationship as a young entrepreneur is your greatest asset. The right connections lead to knowledge, partnerships and opportunities you can’t get anywhere else. 

    A group of young adults networking and mentoring at the NextUP 313 Conference


  1. Professional growth on a budget. No matter where you are in your career, there’s always room to grow. And NextUP 313’s Conference offered so much for FREE!   

    Three people sitting at a table reviewing resumes

     

 

The event provided resume review and assistance from professionals. With the growing popularity of AI-generated resumes, I found getting advice from a human being more authentic.  


Pro tip: At the next event, bring printed resumes. QR codes are cool, but paper allows for more engaging feedback. 

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Another exciting part of the event was getting professional headshots. On average, a headshot costs around $75-$250, which is a bit pricey for a young entrepreneur in this economy.


However, I was happy to receive my headshots to enhance my LinkedIn profile at no cost. 






  1. Success stories that inspire. Hearing stories from local business owners was a great way to get inspired. NextUP 313 brought in entrepreneurs to speak to us about their journeys, including how they built their business, faced hardships, took risks and why they kept going.   


    One of my favorite speakers was Leslie Vargas, Director of Operations at La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria. Hearing her story about her family opening a restaurant, with no prior food industry experience, has been a success with the help of the City of Detroit and DEGC. Other speakers included Sean Xavier Williams of Detroit vs. Everybody and rapper GMAC CASH. 

    Four panelist sitting on a stage at the NextUP 313 conference
    From left to right: Monica Wheat, Leslie Vargas, Sean Xavier Williams, and Tishera Page

 

  1. A roadmap forward. Entrepreneurs who felt confused were able to walk out with a clear path. Organizations like Motor City Match and DEGC were there offering real support for ready-to-launch entrepreneurs.

    A group of people presenting gifts on a stage the NextUP 313 conference

  

Detroit’s business environment isn’t easy for young entrepreneurs, but the community can level the playing field. NextUP 313 equipped me with the tools to move forward confidently.


For more information on the program, click here.

 
 
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