Frequently Asked Questions

A growth-stage small business is typically defined as a company that has moved beyond the startup phase and is now focused on growth, stability, and scalability. These businesses usually share a few common traits:

• Established operations: They’ve proven their business model, have a steady customer base, and consistent revenue.
• Key employees: They have a core group of employees on payroll that support and maintain operations.
• Growth-oriented: They are looking to expand markets, increase efficiency, enhance customer experience, or invest in new products/services.
• Community Impact: Rooted in community impact, they not only scale sustainably but also create jobs, support local economies, and deliver meaningful value to the communities they serve.
• Needs: Unlike startups, their main challenges are not just survival or proof of concept. Instead, they need support with scaling systems, hiring, and retaining talent, accessing growth capital, expanding customer base, and developing management capacity.

You will receive email notifications at each stage of the competition process to confirm your continued interest and guide you through the next steps.

Initial Notification: After submitting your interest form, you will be invited to attend an in-person summit focused on strategies to help scale your business.

Second Notification: Following the workshop, you will receive instructions to submit your official contest application.

Final Notification: You will be informed of the outcome of your application—whether or not you have been selected to advance in the competition.

All applicants will be notified of their status regardless of the outcome.

The finalists will be required to participate fully in the cohort and the business Showcase event. The cohort provides essential tools and strategies to prepare businesses for growth, while the showcase offers a chance to present products and services to the public and gain valuable visibility. Participation in both is mandatory to ensure each finalist is equipped to make the most of this opportunity.

Detroit Elevate is both a learning experience and a celebration—giving each finalist the tools, exposure, and connections to take their business to the next level.

Cohort: July 2026 - August 2026

• The selected finalists will take part in a training cohort designed to help them sharpen their strategies, strengthen their operations, and continue their growth. IN addition to the training, the finalists will receive a technical assistance package and loan-readiness assistance (as needed).

The Showcase: October 22nd

• At the Showcase, finalists will display their businesses, offering the public a chance to explore local services and products firsthand. Attendees will be able to meet the business owners, experience their offerings, and vote for their favorite. Public voting begins at the showcase and extends through November 2026, empowering the community to directly support and promote these businesses.

The Award Ceremony: November 2026

• The cohort participants and their families will be invited to attend an award ceremony recognizing all 25 contestants and celebrating the top three winners as they receive their prizes.

Please note: Finalists may be asked to submit additional business documentation and financials.

The Showcase will be a public event designed to highlight the top 25 businesses still in contention for the final three awards. This event offers an excellent opportunity for the community to meet, support, and shop with these outstanding finalists as they present their products and services.