Detroit’s First Youth Startup Weekend Is Happening November 6-8

Kids are often left out of the business world. Even if they have an incredible idea, few adults take the time to listen to it, even if it’s just for educational and self-esteem purposes. Fortunately, that’s about to change, and it’s starting in Detroit.

This weekend, starting Friday, Nov. 6, Startup Weekend Detroit is hosting its first ever Startup Weekend for Youth at the Techstars Mobility space in Ford Field at 2000 Brush St.

The event is designed for youth ages 12-18 who have an interest in innovation, technology, science, business, and marketing. Students have 54 hours to form a team and turn an idea into a business.

They’ll get the chance to pitch and develop their business idea with a group of peers and receive guidance from a diverse group of mentors and coaches. The weekend will conclude with team presentations to local business leaders.

On Friday, Nov. 6, students registered for the event should be at the venue by 4:30 p.m. Supper will be served at 5 p.m. Afterwards, the youth will engage in networking and icebreakers from 5:30-7:30, Orientation for the weekend will run from 7:30-9:30.

On Saturday, youth should arrive by 9 a.m. for breakfast and more networking opportunities. At 10 a.m., idea pitches begin. Teams form around the ideas by 11 and start working. Lunch will be served at 12 p.m., followed by supper at 5. Snacks will be served throughout the day.

Youth will continue working between meals and receive the benefit of feedback from coaches with expertise in technology, computer science, business, and marketing. Saturday ends no later than 10 p.m.

Sunday also starts at 9 a.m. with breakfast, followed by another work session. Lunch will be served at 11:30 with snacks throughout the day. Supper will be available for members of the public that bought Demo Day tickets and served at 3:30 p.m. Students will pitch their ideas starting at 4 p.m. Judging and announcing of winners will take place by 5:30.

There will be a variety of prizes for participants, including some valued at $500 and up for the winning team. Additionally, youth will receive unique gifts throughout the weekend from Google, Sponsored City of Detroit, and McDonalds.

Registration is available online here. Tickets cost $25 per youth, $20 for two kids, and $15 for three or more kids. Meals and snacks are included in the ticket cost.

Tickets for Demo Day (Sunday, Nov. 8) will be available during registration. Parents, if you’re interested in seeing your child pitch his idea, make sure you get a ticket for Demo Day. You won’t be allowed inside without one.

This is a great event to encourage Detroit’s Youth to explore their potential and challenge them to create a salable business model.