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 workshop 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.

A second-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’re looking to expand markets, increase efficiency, enhance customer experience, or invest in new products/services.
• Needs: Unlike startups, their main challenges aren’t 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.

The finalists will be required to participate fully in the three-week training 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-  September 30, October 1 and October 2
  • The selected finalists will take part in a three-week training cohort designed to help them sharpen their strategies, strengthen their operations, and get ready for growth. IN addition to the training, the finalists will receive a technical assistance package and loan-readiness assistance.
  • Please note: Finalists may be asked to submit additional business documentation and financials.
    
    
• The Showcase - October 29 at Eastern Market Shed 5
  • 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 7th, empowering the community to directly support and promote these businesses.

The Showcase will be a public event designed to highlight the top 20–40 businesses still in contention for the final four 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.

Public voting begins at the showcase and extends through November 7th, empowering the community to directly support and promote these businesses.  Voting will be done online only.

The public vote will be factored into the judges decision for the cash prizes.