2022 Projects
TechTown - Alumni Engagement & Program Recommendations
Students: Mick Tobin and Ellen Zhang
About Organization
TechTown Detroit is the entrepreneurial hub of Detroit, helping thousands of Detroit-based tech startups and small businesses develop, launch, and grow. They offer a full suite of programs, including entrepreneurial education, tech-based programs, and small business services, delivering diverse and impactful guidance for local entrepreneurs. Since its incorporation as a nonprofit in 2004, TechTown has served more than 4,700 businesses, created over 2,000 jobs, and leveraged more than $172.5 million in start-up capital. Even as TechTown continues to grow and expand, it remains deeply connected to Detroit’s entrepreneurial community.
Our Project
This summer, we were tasked with many projects focused on improving TechTown’s programs and Alumni Engagement services. Our largest project was to develop TechTown’s Alumni Engagement programs through interviews, competitive analysis, and data-driven reports. We also created program recommendations, developing a report with 8 recommendations TechTown can implement. Additionally, we worked on a number of other tasks, creating Program Checklists, establishing Growth Metrics, and cleaning Alumni contact data.
Students: Mick Tobin and Ellen Zhang
About Organization
TechTown Detroit is the entrepreneurial hub of Detroit, helping thousands of Detroit-based tech startups and small businesses develop, launch, and grow. They offer a full suite of programs, including entrepreneurial education, tech-based programs, and small business services, delivering diverse and impactful guidance for local entrepreneurs. Since its incorporation as a nonprofit in 2004, TechTown has served more than 4,700 businesses, created over 2,000 jobs, and leveraged more than $172.5 million in start-up capital. Even as TechTown continues to grow and expand, it remains deeply connected to Detroit’s entrepreneurial community.
Our Project
This summer, we were tasked with many projects focused on improving TechTown’s programs and Alumni Engagement services. Our largest project was to develop TechTown’s Alumni Engagement programs through interviews, competitive analysis, and data-driven reports. We also created program recommendations, developing a report with 8 recommendations TechTown can implement. Additionally, we worked on a number of other tasks, creating Program Checklists, establishing Growth Metrics, and cleaning Alumni contact data.
- Alumni Engagement
- 26 Alumni interviews with graduates from Tech-Based and SBS Programs
- From interviews, identified three key themes about what Alumni desire: Strong Relationships, Alumni Incentives, Later-Stage Programming
- Research 10+ competitors and identified their advantages that TechTown can implement
- Sent a survey with initial recommendation ideas to all alumni and received 76 responses with their feedback. We considered recommendation costs and implementation in 10 staff interviews.
- Developed 10 final Alumni Engagement Program recommendations based on research and feedback, prioritizing low-cost and easy implementation. A full report of recommendations was created and is attached to this blog post.
- Program Recommendations
- 21 entrepreneur interviews, 4 AAE interviews, 10 staff interviews to find program weaknesses. From those interviews, we brainstormed improvement ideas. 38 survey responses from a survey we sent identified our most popular recommendation ideas and implementation considerations.
- A full report of the program recommendations is attached to this blog.
- Some Entrepreneurial Education recommendations: Create an online community for those looking for cofounders, resources, program links and TT Staff Guidelines to suggest program paths, set tangible goals and next steps, and be friendly.
- Tech-Based Programs & Small Business Services Recommendations: Pre-Start Studio workshops for entrepreneurs to experiment with Tech-based program curriculum and include program timelines on website
- Data Cleaning
- Compiled 5 different contact lists into one master spreadsheet of over 1,500 entries
- Organized
- Eliminated duplicates by using R to remove older entries
- Client Journey
- We mapped entrepreneurs’ path through TT ecosystem, finding where they learn about TT and how do they navigate programs
- Checklists
- We developed checklists for each program that help guide clients on how to prepare to make the most of their sessions. The checklists contain three bullet points per program to help business owners easily find where they fit, listing what stage of business the program is for, any necessary prerequisites, and what they’ll learn
- Growth Metrics
- We created qualitative & quantitative metrics to measure a business’s growth from the start to end of TechTown’s programs. The metrics can be used for fundraising grant application material, marketing content, and program evaluation.
- The metrics include the number of monthly sales, revenue total, customer count, social media following a startup has by the end of the TechTown program. They also include entrepreneur’s reflection like if they thought TechTown provided useful information and if they reached personal milestones.
| client_journey_map.docx |
| growth_metrics___1_.docx |
| program_checklist__1_.docx |
| alumni_engagement_recommendations_.pdf |
Co.act Detroit
Students: Michael Mohs and Suzie Choi
About Co.act Detroit:
Co.act Detroit is a nonprofit organization, serving as a hub to increase other nonprofit and community organizations’ ability to impact the southeast Michigan region. They aim to increase the capacity of other organizations to create transformative impact through collaborative idea generation, cross-sector resources, and equitable access to world-class programming and learning opportunities.
Co.act Detroit aims to form a more connected and resilient nonprofit community in the region through bringing together leaders in the sector. They also offer customized programs and resources to help with capacity-building based on local practices and national findings in the sector. As well, Co.act Detroit helps administer grants to local nonprofit organizations on behalf of foundations.
Co.act Detroit has strong relations with other organizations working in southeast Michigan to help increase the capacity of nonprofit and community organizations. One such organization is Michigan Community Resources (MCR). Our project this summer was completed as part of a partnership between Co.act Detroit and Michigan Community Resources. Our three supervisors were Kyla Carlsen (Co.act Detroit Director of Programs), Janai Gilmore (MCR Director of Systems Transformation), and Heather Nugen (MCR Program Manager).
Project Objectives:
Our project focused on studying the existing nonprofit leadership pipeline in southeast Michigan, and to identify ways to strengthen this pipeline. Long-time leaders of the baby boomer generation are transitioning out of the sector and the next generation of leaders are transitioning in. However, along the pipeline of emerging talent transitioning into leadership positions there are barriers and “off-ramps” detrimental to the future of the local nonprofit sector. Our goal was, through conducting a literature review and interviews with professionals in the sector, to identify recommendations for building a diverse, flourishing nonprofit talent and leadership pipeline in Southeast Michigan.
During our completion of this project, we looked into:
Final Deliverables:
Our main final deliverables were:
Our final report and presentation for Co.act/MCR was based on a other deliverables that we created:
Final Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zBxKG6LJ9aWcRF51x0bHveTeSsaQrBPt2L8xe6fQpYc/edit?usp=sharing
Final Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1spXT8v8iRcA8VxNF4ZL4shePq63nDZnpK9V6muxpiHc/edit?usp=sharing
Final DukeEngage Project Summarization Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hZHQEKHPTqkZWjjCEETEOs6F9KdtTubEkCmNjZo1GVc/edit#slide=id.g13fa353f30a_1_4679
Students: Michael Mohs and Suzie Choi
About Co.act Detroit:
Co.act Detroit is a nonprofit organization, serving as a hub to increase other nonprofit and community organizations’ ability to impact the southeast Michigan region. They aim to increase the capacity of other organizations to create transformative impact through collaborative idea generation, cross-sector resources, and equitable access to world-class programming and learning opportunities.
Co.act Detroit aims to form a more connected and resilient nonprofit community in the region through bringing together leaders in the sector. They also offer customized programs and resources to help with capacity-building based on local practices and national findings in the sector. As well, Co.act Detroit helps administer grants to local nonprofit organizations on behalf of foundations.
Co.act Detroit has strong relations with other organizations working in southeast Michigan to help increase the capacity of nonprofit and community organizations. One such organization is Michigan Community Resources (MCR). Our project this summer was completed as part of a partnership between Co.act Detroit and Michigan Community Resources. Our three supervisors were Kyla Carlsen (Co.act Detroit Director of Programs), Janai Gilmore (MCR Director of Systems Transformation), and Heather Nugen (MCR Program Manager).
Project Objectives:
Our project focused on studying the existing nonprofit leadership pipeline in southeast Michigan, and to identify ways to strengthen this pipeline. Long-time leaders of the baby boomer generation are transitioning out of the sector and the next generation of leaders are transitioning in. However, along the pipeline of emerging talent transitioning into leadership positions there are barriers and “off-ramps” detrimental to the future of the local nonprofit sector. Our goal was, through conducting a literature review and interviews with professionals in the sector, to identify recommendations for building a diverse, flourishing nonprofit talent and leadership pipeline in Southeast Michigan.
During our completion of this project, we looked into:
- The impact of burnout and unwellness that result from unsustainable sector norms / leadership practices
- Lack of DEI in leadership and development opportunities
- Available leadership development resources and programs targeted towards leaders across different levels, and also what resources need to be created/advertised
- Lack of leadership development stalling career progression in talented nonprofit professionals
- What specific skill gaps are needed for emerging leaders to take the next step in their career
- Sustainable leadership / organizational practices
- Actions taken to promote diverse and equitable leadership and access to development opportunities
Final Deliverables:
Our main final deliverables were:
- Final report given to Co.act Detroit and Michigan Community Resources
- Presentation summarizing that report which was given to Co.act Detroit and Michigan Community Resources
- Final presentation for DukeEngage
Our final report and presentation for Co.act/MCR was based on a other deliverables that we created:
- Comprehensive interview notes and theme spreadsheet containing the information/re-emerging themes gathered from 22 interviews with retiring leaders, nonprofit stakeholders, board members, staff of leadership programs, and nonprofit professionals.
- Literature review of various reports, articles, and other material we digested during the project
- Two separate breakdowns (one for literature findings and one for interview findings) of all necessary qualities and skills ideal for successful nonprofit leadership
- Database of all local and national resources available for nonprofit professional/leadership development
Final Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zBxKG6LJ9aWcRF51x0bHveTeSsaQrBPt2L8xe6fQpYc/edit?usp=sharing
Final Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1spXT8v8iRcA8VxNF4ZL4shePq63nDZnpK9V6muxpiHc/edit?usp=sharing
Final DukeEngage Project Summarization Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hZHQEKHPTqkZWjjCEETEOs6F9KdtTubEkCmNjZo1GVc/edit#slide=id.g13fa353f30a_1_4679
ProsperUs Detroit
Students: Kai Chen and Jenny Yan
ProsperUs is a Community Development Financial institution in Detroit. It strives to achieve economic equity in under-resourced communities by providing opportunities and capital to entrepreneurs. Specifically, ProsperUs supports local entrepreneurs with entrepreneurship training, business services, technical assistance, and microlending.
This summer, we worked under Joanna Dueweke-Perez, Senior Operations Director at Prosper Us. Our main tasks included lending data analytics, longitudinal survey, website development, program research, and storytelling projects as well as assisting with the organizational operation.
Lending Data Analytics
Longitudinal Survey
Website Development
Immigrant Business Fellowship Research
Storytelling
Students: Kai Chen and Jenny Yan
ProsperUs is a Community Development Financial institution in Detroit. It strives to achieve economic equity in under-resourced communities by providing opportunities and capital to entrepreneurs. Specifically, ProsperUs supports local entrepreneurs with entrepreneurship training, business services, technical assistance, and microlending.
This summer, we worked under Joanna Dueweke-Perez, Senior Operations Director at Prosper Us. Our main tasks included lending data analytics, longitudinal survey, website development, program research, and storytelling projects as well as assisting with the organizational operation.
Lending Data Analytics
- Took training on Salesforce & Gained a deeper understanding of Salesforce's role in ProsperUs's daily operation
- Cleaned & Analyzed 130+ lending profile using Excel, SQL and other data processors
- Modified & Updated graduates’s profile in Salesforce based on the resulted data
Longitudinal Survey
- Identified potential issues in the previous longitudinal survey
- Redesigned the longitudinal survey to increase response rate
- Compiled, processed & analyzed 600+ respsonses utilizing SQL and Python
- Developed impact metrics for future annual reports
Website Development
- Review & Proofread for outdated information on ProsperUs Detroit's website
- Collaborated with program managers to develop a dedicated page for financial coaching program
- Researched on the website integration for ProsperUs' events planning, facilitating the event registration process
Immigrant Business Fellowship Research
- Researched on the demographics of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park & Analyzed future immigration trends
- Drafted a curriculum outline for ProsperUs' Immigrant Business Fellowship Proposal & Compared its competitive advantages against similar program offerings across the nation
- Assisted in developing funding pitch presentation
Storytelling
- Contacted 80+ ProsperUs program graduates to update their contact information, and to fill out our longitudinal survey
- Tailored personal interview questions & Conducted in-person interviews with past program participants
- Filmed & Edited interview footage in preparation for the organization’s 10th Anniversary
| dukeengage_final_presentation_kai___jenny_.pdf |
MoGo Detroit
Students: Kushal Mohta and Adya Rajpal
About MoGo
MoGo is a Detroit-based non-profit organization that strives to serve a wide range of people and needs. Whether by offering affordable pass and payment options, providing innovative programming that promotes health, safety, and connectivity, or forming partnerships with other organizations to reduce barriers to biking, MoGo is focused on getting people where they need to go in a convenient, affordable, and fun way.
Our projects
In the first meeting with our supervisors, Rory, Adriel, Jacob, and Jeremy, we were informed the main areas our projects would revolve around creating user surveys, enhancing their Rider Perks program, and analyzing the efficacy of their automated email system SendinBlue. We were also given the freedom to create additional projects of our own interest that could further benefit the company. These included creating and conducting a MoGo Focus group to gain a more comprehensive understanding from consumers on a one-to-one basis, creating a Marketing Proposal to increase Transit App downloads and MoGo ridership as a whole, and developing dynamic Python and Java programs to determine the efficacy of the newsletter automation platform and create a microscopic view of customer engagement for the same.
Students: Kushal Mohta and Adya Rajpal
About MoGo
MoGo is a Detroit-based non-profit organization that strives to serve a wide range of people and needs. Whether by offering affordable pass and payment options, providing innovative programming that promotes health, safety, and connectivity, or forming partnerships with other organizations to reduce barriers to biking, MoGo is focused on getting people where they need to go in a convenient, affordable, and fun way.
Our projects
In the first meeting with our supervisors, Rory, Adriel, Jacob, and Jeremy, we were informed the main areas our projects would revolve around creating user surveys, enhancing their Rider Perks program, and analyzing the efficacy of their automated email system SendinBlue. We were also given the freedom to create additional projects of our own interest that could further benefit the company. These included creating and conducting a MoGo Focus group to gain a more comprehensive understanding from consumers on a one-to-one basis, creating a Marketing Proposal to increase Transit App downloads and MoGo ridership as a whole, and developing dynamic Python and Java programs to determine the efficacy of the newsletter automation platform and create a microscopic view of customer engagement for the same.
- Surveys
- Designed and created 2 surveys: one for MoGo Annual/Monthly members and one for Casual Pay As You Go/Prepaid riders using Survey Monkey
- Received and analysed over 200 responses to the surveys
- Created a report summarizing the open ended questions and outlining possible solutions to the most occurring problems
- Visualized all the responses received through graphical analysis
- Links to the surveys:
- Casual survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mogocasual
- Member survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mogomember
- Focus Group
- Developed a Java program to choose X random customers out of a list of 19000+ that meet certain conditions (for example, has a postal code in Detroit, has ridden MoGo in the last year, etc)
- Created an automated email template on SendInBlue to invite the randomly chosen customers for a 30 minute feedback interview
- Led each of the interview calls and shared all the feedback we received with the others
- Automated emails efficacy (SendInBlue)
- Collected Data from over 50+ email templates regarding recipients, delivered, block rate, open rate, click rate and unsubscribe rate.
- Developed a formula to calculate the Open Rate Efficiency of Email
- Used Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions to determine the Weighted Average Most Effective Time to send out an Email (an email sent out at this time was more effective than at average).
- Calculated the number of GiftCodes utilised by consumers.
- Recalculated the efficiency of each email incorporating the gift code use percentage in the original formula.
- Newsletter efficiency analysis (SendInBlue)
- Collected Data from over 70+ newsletters regarding recipients, delivered, block rate, open rate, click rate and unsubscribe rate.
- Developed a formula to calculate the Open Rate Efficiency of Newsletters
- Used Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions to determine the Weighted Average Most Effective Time to send out a Newsletter (a newsletter sent out at this time was more effective than at average).
- Calculated which keywords used in the subject lines generate the highest open rate using an AI backed Java Algorithm
- Developed a Python software to generate the most and least engaged customers based on their individual open and click rates.
- Marketing Proposal
- Conducted Market Research on global bike shares around the country and created a comparative study of them with MoGo.
- Organized past survey results into categorized documents entailing feedback regarding the kiosks and transit apps.
- Made recommendations to increase Transit App Downloads, enhance Transit Application functionality and Kiosks operational functionality.
- Created Python and Java coded programs to generate the most used “words to describe a customer’s MoGo experience” to incorporate them into future MoGo advertising campaigns.
- Laid the groundwork ideation for introducing new MoGo student and corporate passes.
- Suggested new MoGo community events to increase traction regarding the bike share such as RidetoWork today, and started helping Jeremy Plan a RiderPerks Festival in the coming months.
- Proposed potential partnerships with Touring Agencies around Detroit with similar values, convenient locations and bike-based touring capabilities.
- Recommended the initiation of MoGo Bike Angels, taking inspiration from Boston’s Blue Bikes to ease the process of balancing the load at MoGo stations.
- Created templates for new social media (Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Posts) for Detroit Pistons and Tiger’s Gamedays to increase MoGo traction via social media channels.
- Compiled the aforementioned in a presentation for the entire MoGo Team.
- Rider Perks Report
- Visited 5 Rider Perk locations and interviewed each of their employees to see their feasibility of joining the Rider Perks festival
- Put up posters at each Rider Perks location, informing MoGo customers about the discounts they receive
- Analysed their POS terminal to understand what changes would boost customers to utilise the Rider Perks discount
- Created a report outlining the problems we saw at each of these locations and suggested solutions to each of the problems
- Presented the solutions to the Director of Marketing (Jeremy) and analysed the possibility of implementing each of the solutions with him
| mogo_final_presentation.pdf |
| mogo_marketing_proposal.pdf |
| sendinblue_newsletter_stats.xlsx |
| sendinblue_automation_stats.xlsx |
| market_research.docx |
| CustomerEngagement.java |
| FocusGroupCustomerSelection.java |
| SubjectLineAnalysis.java |
| summary_of_open_ended_responses.pdf |
| rider_perks_summary_report.docx |
TechTown Detroit (Systems Innovation)
Students: Rafael Adi and Megan Fong
Our Project:
TechTown Detroit helps tech startups and local businesses in Detroit launch and grow. The organization is an incubator and accelerator, where they hope to provide various solutions to local entrepreneurs. Some of the organization’s supportive services include providing capital, leading startup workshops, and hosting networking events. In addition to these supporting services, the organization offers coworking, office, meeting, and event space for partner organizations.
Recently, TechTown Detroit has been taking steps to improve the efficiency of several internal processes. This summer, we were tasked under the director of Systems Innovation at TechTown Detroit, Tonya Thomas, to document, analyze, and improve current gaps in the organization’s technical onboarding and offboarding process with new and exiting staff on different teams. Through staff interviews, calls with peer organizations, platform analyses, and surveys we were able to develop a recommendation to the relevant problems we were both assigned to and discovered throughout our project lifetime.
Objectives:
Final Reccomendation:
Employee Onboarding
Students: Rafael Adi and Megan Fong
Our Project:
TechTown Detroit helps tech startups and local businesses in Detroit launch and grow. The organization is an incubator and accelerator, where they hope to provide various solutions to local entrepreneurs. Some of the organization’s supportive services include providing capital, leading startup workshops, and hosting networking events. In addition to these supporting services, the organization offers coworking, office, meeting, and event space for partner organizations.
Recently, TechTown Detroit has been taking steps to improve the efficiency of several internal processes. This summer, we were tasked under the director of Systems Innovation at TechTown Detroit, Tonya Thomas, to document, analyze, and improve current gaps in the organization’s technical onboarding and offboarding process with new and exiting staff on different teams. Through staff interviews, calls with peer organizations, platform analyses, and surveys we were able to develop a recommendation to the relevant problems we were both assigned to and discovered throughout our project lifetime.
Objectives:
- Inform new team members of available technological access to applications on an as-needed basis during employee onboarding process
- Improve clarity of employees’ necessary platforms and corresponding appropriate access levels
- Elucidate who to request assistance from for a given platform and standardize the process of submitting a request for access
- Increased ability for HR, SI, & C&IT to administer the appropriate access to each employee upon onboarding
Final Reccomendation:
Employee Onboarding
- Mandatory two-step onboarding process involving platform provisioning via a checklist distributed to corresponding supervisors and a broader orientation involving increased detail regarding company-wide practices
- Detailed timeline resource for newly onboarded employees with specificity regarding with who and how onboarding processes will take place
- Additional Zoho One training, both general and specific, that is accessible to all employees
- Standardized provisioning request form submitted through department directors to ensure validity of provisioning requests and proper execution
- Resources involving references for who to ask for help and lists of responsibilities of each department/individual to clarify distinctions in roles and prevent unnecessary rerouting of requests
- Figure out what responsibilities would have to be picked up by other team members upon notification of offboarding via Teams channel or other mode of communication
- Delegate unattended responsibilities to appropriate figures within department/organization
- Create offboarding checklist with relevant tasks that must be completed to which affected team members can add tasks based upon transition plan discussed in Teams
- Reference accumulated documentation including onboarding checklist and provisioning request forms submitted during the employee’s time at the company
- Remove redundant applications from TechTown’s technical platform that are accessible through Wayne State University’s resources
- New routing provisioning request form that is automatically forwarded to the team director, prior to reaching any other department and after director approval, the form is then routed to either SI or HR (later C&IT) depending on the request
- Detailed training for necessary applications within TTD’s platform upon request and also accessible to all employees
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2021 Virtual Projects
ProsperUs Detroit
Students: Evan Henley and Lara Bamberger
ProsperUs is an economic development initiative that serves to help build, sustain, and support neighborhood entrepreneurs and small businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. Through various forms, ProsperUs supports local entrepreneurs through training, business support services, and micro-lending.
A full description of all of our tasks is below:
Students: Evan Henley and Lara Bamberger
ProsperUs is an economic development initiative that serves to help build, sustain, and support neighborhood entrepreneurs and small businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. Through various forms, ProsperUs supports local entrepreneurs through training, business support services, and micro-lending.
- Entrepreneur Training - 20-week program that helps participants learn about what it takes to start a business, develop a business plan, and achieve their full potential
- Business Services - Professional assistance in areas of Accounting, Commercial Real Estate, Graphic Design, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing, Website Development, and more
- Micro-Lending - provides access to capital for start-up and existing small businesses up to $50,000
A full description of all of our tasks is below:
- SalesForce Data Transfer
- Community Resource Guide
- Storytelling Project
- Attended and Helped Interview Loan Candidates
- Business 101 Workshop Analysis
- Business Network Survey and Longitudinal Survey
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At MedHealth
Students: Neal Dalal, Isabel Hogshire
Our project:
MedHealth is a part of TechTown Detroit and Detroit Urban Solutions. It is a place where innovators, providers, payers, funders, health systems, economic developers, and businesses convene to accelerate innovative solutions that improve the quality of care in Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario. MedHealth supports activities on both sides of the border that grow the medical device and digital health entrepreneurial ecosystem; contributes to the growth and retention of business, talent, and investment; and serves to position medical innovation as a catalyst of the regional economy.
MedHealth has been tracking relationships by using the Clique platform. Clique has been a useful platform for managing connections but as they expand and grow, their needs are changing and there are significant data points that Clique does not allow them to capture. This summer, MedHealth transitioned to Zoho CRM to enable a more robust set of data points. The data that they will secure through the new system, will enhance their ability to tell data stories and provide metrics for reporting. Our task was to research historical documents and background on MedHealth’s first 5 years to gain required context and background on the project, research and learn about the Clique and Zoho platforms with the intent to make recommendations for the transition, prepare client information for transfer, conduct exports of data and preparing the data for upload into the new system. We also contributed deliverables related to MedHealth's new EDA grant.
Final Outcomes
Zoho Data Transfer
Students: Neal Dalal, Isabel Hogshire
Our project:
MedHealth is a part of TechTown Detroit and Detroit Urban Solutions. It is a place where innovators, providers, payers, funders, health systems, economic developers, and businesses convene to accelerate innovative solutions that improve the quality of care in Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario. MedHealth supports activities on both sides of the border that grow the medical device and digital health entrepreneurial ecosystem; contributes to the growth and retention of business, talent, and investment; and serves to position medical innovation as a catalyst of the regional economy.
MedHealth has been tracking relationships by using the Clique platform. Clique has been a useful platform for managing connections but as they expand and grow, their needs are changing and there are significant data points that Clique does not allow them to capture. This summer, MedHealth transitioned to Zoho CRM to enable a more robust set of data points. The data that they will secure through the new system, will enhance their ability to tell data stories and provide metrics for reporting. Our task was to research historical documents and background on MedHealth’s first 5 years to gain required context and background on the project, research and learn about the Clique and Zoho platforms with the intent to make recommendations for the transition, prepare client information for transfer, conduct exports of data and preparing the data for upload into the new system. We also contributed deliverables related to MedHealth's new EDA grant.
Final Outcomes
Zoho Data Transfer
- Merged and cleaned the data exported from Clique and Zoho
- Used a FuzzyMatch algorithm to identify and clean instances of misspelled company names
- Used a web scraping algorithm to find company websites
- Hand checked all 1700 entries to find instances where the algorithms made an error
- Contacted and worked with the Clique customer support team to extract all connections Stacey made
- Created a User Stories which describes how MedHealth would interact with a specific user in order to identify the different functionalities they need from Zoho
- Did research on intake forms used by med-tech startups and gained an understanding of what a start-up needs in its early stages
- Developed a new intake form that would allow relevant information to be directly recorded in Zoho and help Stacey prepare for initial meetings
- Researched similar tools in the market to better understand tools that would help Stacey in developing the new website MedHealth planned on making
- Spoke with several Innovators in the Michigan area to identify what they would want out of the product
- Created a document outline functionalities in the 1.0 version of the website MedHealth will eventually commission
- Researched MedTech-related incubator and accelerators in the Michigan area
- Categorized resources in a spreadsheet (50+ resources)
- Read through through EDA Grant narratives and federal codes
- Wrote a memo providing background on general procurement standards and different methods of procurement
- Wrote a memo providing information on the request for proposal process including example outlines and templates
| dukeengage_final_presentation__medhealth_2021_.pdf |
| medhealth_draft_intake_6.1.21.docx.pdf |
| michigan_medtech_asset_map_-_sheet1.pdf |
TechTown Detroit.
Students: Sophie Cartolano, Patrick Wachira
TechTown Detroit is a startup incubator that offers Detroit entrepreneurs solutions at any stage of business development. The organization offers a full suite of programs for both tech and local brick and mortar businesses, delivering impactful services to help them launch and grow. Since its incorporation as a nonprofit in 2004, TechTown has grown from just supporting tech-based spinoffs from Wayne State University, to become an entrepreneurial hub for Detroit that even offers collaborative workspaces for Detroit entrepreneurs.
Our project:
TechTown is seeking to deepen its commitment to equity and inclusion by increasing the impact of its services in immigrant communities within Detroit. This will involve increasing language accessibility of TechTown’s programs and services for clients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and developing cultural competency across the organization. We were tasked with carrying out an assessment of TechTown’s offerings and offering recommendations for action towards this mission:
Find a link to the full report at the end of this summary.
Identified themes:
Outreach:
Translation:
Outreach was identified as a key area for development in offering more services to LEP clients. We recommended:
Monitoring and evaluation:
We recommended formation of a language access strategy group to spearhead the mission and carry out progress monitoring and annual assessments.
Students: Sophie Cartolano, Patrick Wachira
TechTown Detroit is a startup incubator that offers Detroit entrepreneurs solutions at any stage of business development. The organization offers a full suite of programs for both tech and local brick and mortar businesses, delivering impactful services to help them launch and grow. Since its incorporation as a nonprofit in 2004, TechTown has grown from just supporting tech-based spinoffs from Wayne State University, to become an entrepreneurial hub for Detroit that even offers collaborative workspaces for Detroit entrepreneurs.
Our project:
TechTown is seeking to deepen its commitment to equity and inclusion by increasing the impact of its services in immigrant communities within Detroit. This will involve increasing language accessibility of TechTown’s programs and services for clients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and developing cultural competency across the organization. We were tasked with carrying out an assessment of TechTown’s offerings and offering recommendations for action towards this mission:
- Assessment of TechTown’s website, social media, and other materials
- Interviews with different teams within TechTown: Programs, Marketing and Communications, Systems Innovation, and Collaborative Workspaces (Coworking and tenants)
- Interviews with Spanish-speaking clients and alumni
- Interviews with TechTown leadership
Find a link to the full report at the end of this summary.
Identified themes:
Outreach:
- From client and alumni feedback, we learnt that there is a lot of room for improvement in TechTown’s outreach efforts
- Clients prefer in-person outreach
- TechTown has had success in offering some services to LEP clients: The Stabilization Fund, workshops on advertising, SWOT services through 313 STRONG.
- Interest forms remain a hindrance to getting input and data on the preferences of people with LEP.
- Is key to LEP clients; there are social norms and practices that they need people serving them to be awareness. It’s not just about language—it’s development of cultural competency.
Translation:
- We recommended the development of a landing page in the target language. This would present clients with information such as the services available in their language at TechTown, descriptions of past successful initiatives, relevant pipeline organizations, relevant contact information.
- Translation of the most relevant forms: 313 STRONG and RBC
- Suggested translation service option with better services than a previous one
- We recommended deeper collaboration with pipeline organizations as TechTown works to develop better flow of clients with Limited English Proficiency as it builds towards offering programs in different languages.
Outreach was identified as a key area for development in offering more services to LEP clients. We recommended:
- hiring staff members to increase in person outreach, which has proven very successful in the past
- Having marketing materials like banners and flyers in places of high business traffic like Detroit Eastern market
- Consulting a community advisory group to better understand the needs of the community.
- Recommended cultural training sessions offered by consultants within Detroit
- Recommended options for cultural consultants who can customize staff training to the needs of TechTown’s language and cultural competency objectives
- Recommended community hiring to fill positions like community ambassador and marketing staff in order to increase TechTown’s capacity for service delivery to LEP clients.
- Recommended a bias towards action in making TechTown’s staff and board reflect the diversity goals TechTown seeks to achieve
- We recommended lean startup methodology in the long term development of programs for LEP clients at TechTown
- The Build— Measure —Learn methodology would enable TechTown to develop impactful programs tailored to the needs of the clients they seek to serve
Monitoring and evaluation:
We recommended formation of a language access strategy group to spearhead the mission and carry out progress monitoring and annual assessments.
GreenLight Fund Detroit
Students: DonoVaughn Tulloch & Tenzin Choeyang
GreenLight Fund (GLF) Description:
GreenLight Fund is a national nonprofit organization that aims to help transform the experiences of youth and families who are often underrepresented in the Detroit community. Each local site runs a localized annual process to identify urgent needs for children and families facing barriers to economic and social mobility. GreenLight Fund takes on a human-centered design approach that involves identifying a critical need, selecting and investing in a highly effective national program, and galvanizing local support to ensure that the program is sustainable and makes a social impact.
GreenLight Fund Detroit launched operations in 2017 and has announced three major social investments since. Working alongside two-dozen sponsors, over two-dozen advisory council members, and a plethora of community partners, GreenLight Fund Detroit aims to broaden its public presence and awareness of its numerous partners and social outcomes.
Project Objectives:
Supported landscape analysis, programming, and fundraising process by identifying and cataloging prospective partners, supporters, and local networks in Detroit:
Partnered with current staff on various projects to develop external relations content:
Outcomes Met:
Students: DonoVaughn Tulloch & Tenzin Choeyang
GreenLight Fund (GLF) Description:
GreenLight Fund is a national nonprofit organization that aims to help transform the experiences of youth and families who are often underrepresented in the Detroit community. Each local site runs a localized annual process to identify urgent needs for children and families facing barriers to economic and social mobility. GreenLight Fund takes on a human-centered design approach that involves identifying a critical need, selecting and investing in a highly effective national program, and galvanizing local support to ensure that the program is sustainable and makes a social impact.
GreenLight Fund Detroit launched operations in 2017 and has announced three major social investments since. Working alongside two-dozen sponsors, over two-dozen advisory council members, and a plethora of community partners, GreenLight Fund Detroit aims to broaden its public presence and awareness of its numerous partners and social outcomes.
Project Objectives:
Supported landscape analysis, programming, and fundraising process by identifying and cataloging prospective partners, supporters, and local networks in Detroit:
- Searched for relevant events, programs, and opportunities to spread GreenLight Fund Detroit’s core messages
- Tracked and identified new prospective investors that align with GreenLight Fund Detroit’s core narratives
- Mapped social and professional networks of funders, influencers, and community leaders
Partnered with current staff on various projects to develop external relations content:
- Found positive stories and related media for partners and organizations
- Researched external engagements like conferences, webinars, and published articles
- Designed graphical content for media channels and newsletters
- Supported processes for future virtual events
Outcomes Met:
- Created a database of new supporters and organizations
- Compiled recommendations for partners based on network mapping and research
- Improved the external relations channels with new content and increased exposure
| dukeengage__greenlight_fund_detroit__final_presentation__1_.pdf |
2020 Virtual projects
ProsperUS Detroit
Students: Anna Gotskind and Weyman Cohen
Students: Anna Gotskind and Weyman Cohen
GreenLight Fund Detroit
Students: Dani Welton and Jimmy Rodriguez
Students: Dani Welton and Jimmy Rodriguez
Street Democracy
Student: Darby Heflin
Student: Darby Heflin
TechTown
Students: May Mei and Aneesh Patel
Students: May Mei and Aneesh Patel
2019 PROJECTS
Street Democracy
Students: Arjun Bakshi
Street Democracy is a small team of attorneys and legal researchers working at the intersection of poverty and the law to reform the policies and systems that create and perpetuate poverty. Their work currently focuses on reform of the criminal justice system and is perhaps best reflected in our efforts that led to the establishment of 36th District Court’s specialty homeless court program, Street Outreach Court Detroit, where they currently serve as defense counsel.
Objectives:
My main objective was to do a deep dive, econometrics style report/framework for our two alternative sentencing programs. The Street Outreach Court Detroit did not currently have an economic report to underline the importance of its work in Detroit, so my task for the summer was to research the financial impact of alternative sentencing on an individual, the community and the government. Using previous research that had been done, as well as collecting my own through various means, I created a report which Street Democracy can use in the future to present the additional advantages of Street Court.
My other objectives were to contribute to their advocacy platform which Street Democracy has, in which they serve on boards and commissions in local townships in Michigan to influence policy making decisions.
Data Collection:
Collected data using credited studies and reports on the economic impact of each one of the alternative sentencing measures. These economic impacts were divided into the impact on an individual/family, the community and the government. All the data collected was footnoted and explained so that they can be used for future reference.
Report and white-sheet:
The report summarized my findings and the research that I had done. This combined with the white-sheet will hopefully allow Street Democracy to present to any judge or court the potential financial benefits of Street Court in the future. The white-sheet serves as an executive-summary of my findings, and I used the 7 “best” statistics that I had researched in this summary to highlight the benefits of alternative sentencing.
Contribution to advocacy:
Took minutes for meetings regarding the education commission in Michigan and how to deal with separation of classrooms for troubled children. As well as this, I helped collate all the boards and commissions that any citizen of Michigan can join in a bid to try and encourage more people to take positions on these boards and help influence policy for the better in their local areas. The research that I did on the various available board positions helped encourage 7 more people to apply for these positions.
Students: Arjun Bakshi
Street Democracy is a small team of attorneys and legal researchers working at the intersection of poverty and the law to reform the policies and systems that create and perpetuate poverty. Their work currently focuses on reform of the criminal justice system and is perhaps best reflected in our efforts that led to the establishment of 36th District Court’s specialty homeless court program, Street Outreach Court Detroit, where they currently serve as defense counsel.
Objectives:
My main objective was to do a deep dive, econometrics style report/framework for our two alternative sentencing programs. The Street Outreach Court Detroit did not currently have an economic report to underline the importance of its work in Detroit, so my task for the summer was to research the financial impact of alternative sentencing on an individual, the community and the government. Using previous research that had been done, as well as collecting my own through various means, I created a report which Street Democracy can use in the future to present the additional advantages of Street Court.
My other objectives were to contribute to their advocacy platform which Street Democracy has, in which they serve on boards and commissions in local townships in Michigan to influence policy making decisions.
Data Collection:
Collected data using credited studies and reports on the economic impact of each one of the alternative sentencing measures. These economic impacts were divided into the impact on an individual/family, the community and the government. All the data collected was footnoted and explained so that they can be used for future reference.
Report and white-sheet:
The report summarized my findings and the research that I had done. This combined with the white-sheet will hopefully allow Street Democracy to present to any judge or court the potential financial benefits of Street Court in the future. The white-sheet serves as an executive-summary of my findings, and I used the 7 “best” statistics that I had researched in this summary to highlight the benefits of alternative sentencing.
Contribution to advocacy:
Took minutes for meetings regarding the education commission in Michigan and how to deal with separation of classrooms for troubled children. As well as this, I helped collate all the boards and commissions that any citizen of Michigan can join in a bid to try and encourage more people to take positions on these boards and help influence policy for the better in their local areas. The research that I did on the various available board positions helped encourage 7 more people to apply for these positions.
| economic_report_fs_-_duke_engage__1_.docx |
| 1_pager_-_economic_report_on_alternative_sentencing.pdf |
ProsperUS Detroit
Students: Bryn Wilson and Andrew Sandler
ProsperUS Detroit, a program of Southwest Economic Solutions, is a place-based initiative that builds and sustains neighborhood entrepreneurs and small businesses. ProsperUS offers three main services: entrepreneurship training, business services, and micro-lending. Entrepreneurship training is offered at ten community partners; nine of those community partners service our standard entrepreneurship training which is offered to any adult living in Detroit. The tenth community partner, Recovery Park, offers entrepreneurship training to returning citizens (previously incarcerated individuals). Business Services connects Detroit entrepreneurs to resources such as help with financials, accounting, marketing, graphic design, etc. The micro-lending department makes loans up to $15k for startup businesses and $25k for existing businesses.
Objective
The overall goals of our projects were to help ProsperUS Detroit identify how we can better prepare our training graduates to utilize our business and lending services, help streamline the intake business services and lending request process, and assist in seeing out the success of the second cohort of Entrepreneurship training for Returning Citizens. We achieved these goals through in-person data collection, survey analysis & marketing efforts. Our overall objectives can be broken down into six main projects:
Data Collection for ASPIRE (Entrepreneurship Training for Returning Citizens)
First, we inputted all existing data from the entrepreneur’s Orientation Day Intake Form and Google Form Application. We identified all missing data points and possible concerns & questions for each of the twelve individual entrepreneurs. We scheduled and carried out in-person or phone interviews (which typically lasted 1 – 1.5 hours) with all ASPIRE graduates to complete data collection. During these interviews, we assisted all graduates in completing business plan questionnaires, income goals, business finance forms. By obtaining this accurate and up-to-date information promptly, the program funder was able to move forward and approve funding for the second cohort of entrepreneurs.
Marketing & Communications
We helped with intake and outreach phone calls and emails daily. We answer questions entrepreneurs may have about our training program, help them access and/or complete the application and connect them to business services and lending resources as well. We made two main marketing materials (each with an English and Spanish version) to help more effectively communicate with both those interested in our programming and those who have already graduated.
Post Assessment & Longitudinal Survey
We created an in-business map (and accompanying spreadsheet) to display all operating businesses in the Detroit area that ProsperUS has supported through entrepreneurship training, business services or lending. We did extensive research on all of the business service and lending recipients to ensure they were still in-business before adding them to the map. We also added businesses to the map simultaneously as we administered the longitudinal survey. Our map provides a brief description of each business and links to all of their contact information and social media. We created a static map on photoshop that will be used to link to the interactive map on the ProsperUS Website. The map is a good visual for funders to easily visualize ProsperUS’s impact, and the map can also be used as a reference guide for ProsperUS supported businesses.
Storytelling
We each met with three entrepreneurs to interview them about their business. We then wrote articles highlighting the entrepreneurs and their businesses to increase their visibility. The articles will be published on the ProsperUS website.
Recovery Park Recruiting
We recruited entrepreneurs for the second cohort of Entrepreneurship Training for Returning Citizens by identifying community partners who may be able to assist us in reaching returning citizens who met our three funder requirements.
Students: Bryn Wilson and Andrew Sandler
ProsperUS Detroit, a program of Southwest Economic Solutions, is a place-based initiative that builds and sustains neighborhood entrepreneurs and small businesses. ProsperUS offers three main services: entrepreneurship training, business services, and micro-lending. Entrepreneurship training is offered at ten community partners; nine of those community partners service our standard entrepreneurship training which is offered to any adult living in Detroit. The tenth community partner, Recovery Park, offers entrepreneurship training to returning citizens (previously incarcerated individuals). Business Services connects Detroit entrepreneurs to resources such as help with financials, accounting, marketing, graphic design, etc. The micro-lending department makes loans up to $15k for startup businesses and $25k for existing businesses.
Objective
The overall goals of our projects were to help ProsperUS Detroit identify how we can better prepare our training graduates to utilize our business and lending services, help streamline the intake business services and lending request process, and assist in seeing out the success of the second cohort of Entrepreneurship training for Returning Citizens. We achieved these goals through in-person data collection, survey analysis & marketing efforts. Our overall objectives can be broken down into six main projects:
Data Collection for ASPIRE (Entrepreneurship Training for Returning Citizens)
First, we inputted all existing data from the entrepreneur’s Orientation Day Intake Form and Google Form Application. We identified all missing data points and possible concerns & questions for each of the twelve individual entrepreneurs. We scheduled and carried out in-person or phone interviews (which typically lasted 1 – 1.5 hours) with all ASPIRE graduates to complete data collection. During these interviews, we assisted all graduates in completing business plan questionnaires, income goals, business finance forms. By obtaining this accurate and up-to-date information promptly, the program funder was able to move forward and approve funding for the second cohort of entrepreneurs.
Marketing & Communications
We helped with intake and outreach phone calls and emails daily. We answer questions entrepreneurs may have about our training program, help them access and/or complete the application and connect them to business services and lending resources as well. We made two main marketing materials (each with an English and Spanish version) to help more effectively communicate with both those interested in our programming and those who have already graduated.
- The first was a postcard that showcases all of the services ProsperUS offers.
- The second was a checklist that lays out the business requirements to receive business services and lending services. The checklist is now included in graduation off-boarding packets, and we also emailed the checklist to 25 + of individuals who inquired about our support process.
Post Assessment & Longitudinal Survey
- We redesigned our post-assessment survey to identify more specifically how we can better prepare our training graduates to utilize our business and lending services. We wanted to identify what the gaps are between our graduate’s businesses and those that qualify for our lending and business services. We used the intake form and checklist to help us create a new survey that asks graduates more specifically about their business status and what parts of the business plan they need further assistance with.
- For our longitudinal survey, we called all ProsperUS entrepreneurship training graduates from the past 2 years to administer the post-assessment. We also learned more about the assistance they may need and asked them their business address to simultaneously add their businesses to the in-business map.
- We garnered over 100 responses on the survey, and more than 80 of those responses were completed over the phone.
- After the survey closed on July 17, we conducted data analysis to identify weaknesses in graduates (regarding their business plan, etc.) and compare data across training locations and year to find any relevant differences. We then produced a report showcasing our findings, which showed correlations between business plan completion rates, training locations, and graduation year. We then introduced proposals to meet the two identified needs we discovered: accountability and adaptability.
- Our proposals include:
- Detailed homework schedule
- Incentive pricing program
- Three and six-month check-ups
- Virtual training opportunities
- Interactive problem-solving modules.
- Our proposals include:
We created an in-business map (and accompanying spreadsheet) to display all operating businesses in the Detroit area that ProsperUS has supported through entrepreneurship training, business services or lending. We did extensive research on all of the business service and lending recipients to ensure they were still in-business before adding them to the map. We also added businesses to the map simultaneously as we administered the longitudinal survey. Our map provides a brief description of each business and links to all of their contact information and social media. We created a static map on photoshop that will be used to link to the interactive map on the ProsperUS Website. The map is a good visual for funders to easily visualize ProsperUS’s impact, and the map can also be used as a reference guide for ProsperUS supported businesses.
Storytelling
We each met with three entrepreneurs to interview them about their business. We then wrote articles highlighting the entrepreneurs and their businesses to increase their visibility. The articles will be published on the ProsperUS website.
Recovery Park Recruiting
We recruited entrepreneurs for the second cohort of Entrepreneurship Training for Returning Citizens by identifying community partners who may be able to assist us in reaching returning citizens who met our three funder requirements.
- We sent approximately 180 emails to community partners.
- As of July 22, we signed up thirteen returning citizens.
* note: many deliverables (including parts of the longitudinal survey report & post-assessment) cannot be shared due to confidentiality.
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Link to In-Business Map: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1S0pI9Gj3Pa2Hbotv9L42zRj0tBs&usp=sharing
Link to Final Project: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1G-AES-MYW355nbjnxDZStC6Sgmn_NxDQy-G26sQAXbk/edit?usp=sharing
Link to Final Project: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1G-AES-MYW355nbjnxDZStC6Sgmn_NxDQy-G26sQAXbk/edit?usp=sharing
Detroit Food Academy
Students: Hannah Rubin and John Bueno
About Detroit Food Academy:
Detroit Food Academy is a non-profit that inspires youth to grow as leaders through the power of food entrepreneurship. Through year round programming, students develop their ideas from scratch to market, growing as leaders who are healthy, connected, and powerful to affect change within our community and beyond. Small Batch Detroit is culinary training and employment program within DFA that serves as a first paid job for seniors in high school, a training ground for our alumni pursuing culinary arts careers, and generates revenue that supports Detroit Food Academy’s mission through the sale Mitten Bites, Slow Jams, and Detroit Pop Shop.
Main Projects:
When Jake and Julie assigned us our projects for the summer, they asked us to delve into two main areas: Small Batch Product and Business development and the Small Batch Fellowship program. Over the course of the summer, as our original projects evolved into more, we truly felt a part of the DFA community and we were were extremely proud to help support their mission.
Small Batch Product and Business development:
On the product and development side, Jake asked us to focus on production improvements, creating an easily accessible guide outlining how community organizations can support DFA, and working to grow Small Batch social media.
Students: Hannah Rubin and John Bueno
About Detroit Food Academy:
Detroit Food Academy is a non-profit that inspires youth to grow as leaders through the power of food entrepreneurship. Through year round programming, students develop their ideas from scratch to market, growing as leaders who are healthy, connected, and powerful to affect change within our community and beyond. Small Batch Detroit is culinary training and employment program within DFA that serves as a first paid job for seniors in high school, a training ground for our alumni pursuing culinary arts careers, and generates revenue that supports Detroit Food Academy’s mission through the sale Mitten Bites, Slow Jams, and Detroit Pop Shop.
Main Projects:
When Jake and Julie assigned us our projects for the summer, they asked us to delve into two main areas: Small Batch Product and Business development and the Small Batch Fellowship program. Over the course of the summer, as our original projects evolved into more, we truly felt a part of the DFA community and we were were extremely proud to help support their mission.
Small Batch Product and Business development:
On the product and development side, Jake asked us to focus on production improvements, creating an easily accessible guide outlining how community organizations can support DFA, and working to grow Small Batch social media.
- Facility and Production Improvements:
- Worked with Diamond, the incoming production manager for the Small Batch kitchen to create labels and work charts to organize production and maximize efficiency in the kitchen
- Organized all loose recipes to create laminated recipe books for all 3 Small Batch products: Mitten Bites, Slow Jams, and the Detroit Pop Shop, including other information like standard operating procedures.
- Small Batch sandwich fund guide
- Created a “What is DFA” poster to display at markets after realizing that many people buying Small Batch products don’t know the full story
- Managed a “hit-list” of all the DFA community partners
- Mapped out all of the levels of engagement for a community partner looking to support the mission of DFA and created an easy to read guide that can be sent out to potential partners.
- Developed marketing materials specific to businesses
- Created the “Detroit Food Academy Local Partner” poster that highlights and thanks all of the community partners that support DFA’s mission, either through employing one of our students or buying our products
- Connected DFA with local podcasts that will feature our story and a promotional code
- Social Media Development
- We noticed a significant lack of engagement on all 3 Small Batch social media accounts and created a social media marketing guide outlining current engagement and how we could improve the accounts
- Majority of our time was spent at markets, community partners or in the production kitchen, generating content to be used for promotional materials on social media
- Enhanced the social media calendar, creating a new format
- Created a Mitten Bite giveaway, Slow Jams giveaway, and Popsicle promotion at eastern market
- Kept track of weekly analytics, tracking interactions, impressions, discovers, profile visits and followers.
- Created a “Small Batch social media 101” guide that describes how we grew the accounts and what Jake should do moving forward
- Filmed and produced a “Slow Jams production” video illustrated the steps from start to finish to promote the local products used
- Designed a social media business card for the tables at markets with links to all of the Small Batch/DFA social media
- Grew social media engagements by 4,500%!
- We noticed a significant lack of engagement on all 3 Small Batch social media accounts and created a social media marketing guide outlining current engagement and how we could improve the accounts
Small Batch Fellowship and Student development
Youth who have participated in Detroit Food Academy’s programs, Summer leadership program and/ or Advance leadership program, are invited to join the Small Batch fellowship in their junior or senior years. Youth in the Work-Ready/Fellowship stage of the training are supported in transitioning out of high school and into adulthood through a 12-month employment and training program that culminates in a work placement out, 5 days each week, at a local food business that is excited to hire going forward.
After a particular conversation Julie had with one of fellowship sites, she realized that we were lacking feedback on the fellowship program. While it wasn’t a requirement to go visit the site, we wanted to get as much feedback as we could so we thought it would be more useful to have a group meeting with the supervisor than emailing the questions.
Youth who have participated in Detroit Food Academy’s programs, Summer leadership program and/ or Advance leadership program, are invited to join the Small Batch fellowship in their junior or senior years. Youth in the Work-Ready/Fellowship stage of the training are supported in transitioning out of high school and into adulthood through a 12-month employment and training program that culminates in a work placement out, 5 days each week, at a local food business that is excited to hire going forward.
- June’s “The Path To Your Profession” and July’s “Leadership and Management” workshops
- Planned and executed two workshops on professional development, which focused on getting the fellows ready to enter the workforce
- Partnered up with Mike from the Detroit Clothing Circle who agreed to match Detroit Food Academy’s budget to provide professional attire for our five fellows
- Practiced the 2 minute pitch about themselves and DFA’s influence at the workshop
- Took headshots of each of the fellows, and created them a LinkedIn that they can use to find jobs and network
- Planned and executed two workshops on professional development, which focused on getting the fellows ready to enter the workforce
- Created a 1 pager/ fancy digital resume
- Met with all five fellows to plan and finalize a one page resume, that they could use going back to school or the workforce
- Printed and laminated all five resumes
- Met with all five fellows to plan and finalize a one page resume, that they could use going back to school or the workforce
- Final Presentations:
- Coordinated 3 meetings with each fellow to finalize resumes and plan out their final presentations
- Each fellow planned and practiced a 2 minute pitch about themselves and their experience with DFA to present at the Green Garage community lunch
- Coordinated 3 meetings with each fellow to finalize resumes and plan out their final presentations
After a particular conversation Julie had with one of fellowship sites, she realized that we were lacking feedback on the fellowship program. While it wasn’t a requirement to go visit the site, we wanted to get as much feedback as we could so we thought it would be more useful to have a group meeting with the supervisor than emailing the questions.
- Fellowship Feedback consisted of:
- Created a template with questions like:
- How can DFA best prepare their students for the particular tasks they complete here?
- For example, is there any particular mathematics/measurement knowledge students should be able to task on a day to day? Ex. Experience with measuring, multiplying addition, etc.
- For example, is there any particular mathematics/measurement knowledge students should be able to task on a day to day? Ex. Experience with measuring, multiplying addition, etc.
- What do you think are the most important skills for a young person to have to excel in this role?
- How can DFA best prepare their students for the particular tasks they complete here?
- Coordinated meetings with each of the supervisors and traveled to each site to meet with them
- Marrow, Flowers of Vietnam, Ochre bakery, PizzaPlex, and Selden Standard
- Marrow, Flowers of Vietnam, Ochre bakery, PizzaPlex, and Selden Standard
- Recorded and documented all supervisor’s responses
- Uploaded all responses to Detroit Food Academy Fellowship folder
- Uploaded all responses to Detroit Food Academy Fellowship folder
- Created a template with questions like:
Us and the fellows as they proudly display their resumes at our final workshop!
Here is the link to our final presentation!
| detroit_food_academy_presentation.pdf |
MoGo Detroit
Students: Siyi Xu and Kevin Tan
About MoGo:
MoGo is Detroit’s public bike share system. With 44 stations and 430 bikes across 10 Detroit neighborhoods, MoGo is designed as a fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to take quick trips around town. The organization puts a large emphasis on making transportation more accessible to all different types of people through programs such as a $5 Access Pass for those who qualify for state benefits and Adaptive MoGo for those who are unable to ride a traditional bicycle. MoGo strives to continue moving the city of Detroit towards greater sustainability and transportation equity.
Our Projects:
When we first met to discuss what we would be doing over the summer, our supervisors Lisa, Rory, and Adriel presented us with five main goals: increasing casual pass (Daily pass) sales/usage, Transit App promotion, analyzing rider data to create rider profiles for MoGo’s impact report, developing and updating surveys, and economic impact analysis. We used these goals as a framework for the projects we completed this summer. In addition, Lisa gave us the opportunity to create projects of our own based on our interests.
Project #1: Daily Pass User and Member Surveys
Our first main project was creating two surveys: one for Daily pass users and one for members (those who hold Monthly or Annual passes).
The purpose of the Daily pass user survey was to help MoGo understand who its riders are and why they are using the service, allowing the team to determine how the organization can increase casual ridership.
The data collected from the Member survey was instrumental for use in the impact report because it allows the team to see how MoGo has affected the daily lives of its members, ranging from how much money they spend using MoGo to how many driving miles they reduced as a result of MoGo to how they felt MoGo has affected the connectivity of Detroit public transit.
Project #2: Impact Report Draft
Last fall, MoGo released its first annual report. The report mostly detailed MoGo’s programming, including Adaptive MoGo, Access Pass, Street Skills Classes, and Neighborhood Ambassadors, each of which reflect the organization’s commitment to improving transportation equity in Detroit. Lisa told us that this year, she wants the report to be a more quantifiable approach to MoGo’s impact on Detroit. This was how our impact report project, probably the biggest and most multifaceted project we undertook this summer, was conceived.
Initially, this project was going to be an economic impact analysis of MoGo. However, we quickly determined that MoGo’s impact on Detroit reached much farther than just economic. We ended up separating the impact into three categories: economic, social, and health/environmental. Because the report will not be sent out until late fall of 2019, we developed a comprehensive draft that lays out the framework for the final product. The draft we completed communicates the story of how MoGo has affected these different aspects of the city.
Impact Report Outline
Impact Calculation Templates
MoGo Timeline
Students: Siyi Xu and Kevin Tan
About MoGo:
MoGo is Detroit’s public bike share system. With 44 stations and 430 bikes across 10 Detroit neighborhoods, MoGo is designed as a fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to take quick trips around town. The organization puts a large emphasis on making transportation more accessible to all different types of people through programs such as a $5 Access Pass for those who qualify for state benefits and Adaptive MoGo for those who are unable to ride a traditional bicycle. MoGo strives to continue moving the city of Detroit towards greater sustainability and transportation equity.
Our Projects:
When we first met to discuss what we would be doing over the summer, our supervisors Lisa, Rory, and Adriel presented us with five main goals: increasing casual pass (Daily pass) sales/usage, Transit App promotion, analyzing rider data to create rider profiles for MoGo’s impact report, developing and updating surveys, and economic impact analysis. We used these goals as a framework for the projects we completed this summer. In addition, Lisa gave us the opportunity to create projects of our own based on our interests.
Project #1: Daily Pass User and Member Surveys
Our first main project was creating two surveys: one for Daily pass users and one for members (those who hold Monthly or Annual passes).
The purpose of the Daily pass user survey was to help MoGo understand who its riders are and why they are using the service, allowing the team to determine how the organization can increase casual ridership.
The data collected from the Member survey was instrumental for use in the impact report because it allows the team to see how MoGo has affected the daily lives of its members, ranging from how much money they spend using MoGo to how many driving miles they reduced as a result of MoGo to how they felt MoGo has affected the connectivity of Detroit public transit.
- Completed preliminary research on how bike share systems in other cities have increased casual users
- Developed the two surveys using SurveyMonkey
- Sent out Daily pass user survey through text message and received 212 total responses
- Sent out Member survey through email and text message and received 408 total responses
- Compiled responses from both surveys into respective Excel files for data analysis
- Created a key takeaways document for both surveys to make recommendations to the team and for the team’s future use
- Created graphs of the most significant responses from the surveys for use in the impact report
Project #2: Impact Report Draft
Last fall, MoGo released its first annual report. The report mostly detailed MoGo’s programming, including Adaptive MoGo, Access Pass, Street Skills Classes, and Neighborhood Ambassadors, each of which reflect the organization’s commitment to improving transportation equity in Detroit. Lisa told us that this year, she wants the report to be a more quantifiable approach to MoGo’s impact on Detroit. This was how our impact report project, probably the biggest and most multifaceted project we undertook this summer, was conceived.
Initially, this project was going to be an economic impact analysis of MoGo. However, we quickly determined that MoGo’s impact on Detroit reached much farther than just economic. We ended up separating the impact into three categories: economic, social, and health/environmental. Because the report will not be sent out until late fall of 2019, we developed a comprehensive draft that lays out the framework for the final product. The draft we completed communicates the story of how MoGo has affected these different aspects of the city.
Impact Report Outline
- Researched impact reports of other bike share systems to determine the metrics that would be used to calculate the economic impact of MoGo on the city of Detroit
- Determined the contents of the impact report and developed a detailed outline for the report
- Created visualizations for the report based on rider and survey data
Impact Calculation Templates
- Developed Excel templates to calculate MoGo’s impact, including the percentage of new economic activities generated by MoGo, the direct spending of members while using MoGo, and the amount of driving costs reduced as a result of MoGo
MoGo Timeline
- Created a timeline that tells the story of MoGo from 2012 (when the idea of bike share in Detroit took root) to 2019 (when MoGo has over 44 stations and sold over 5,000 member passes)
- Designed the MoGo timeline template for future changes
| mogo_timeline.pptx |
Station Proximity
- Calculated the average number of transit stations (this includes bus, QLINE, and People Mover) within two blocks of each of the 44 MoGo stations as part of an evaluation of how MoGo has affected the connectivity of Detroit’s public transit
- Added two featured stations and their respective visualizations to the impact report draft to showcase this connectivity
- Explained our methodology at the end of the report
| second_w_grand_blvd.png |
| beaubien_e_lafayette.png |
MoGo Word Cloud
- Created a word cloud for MoGo based on the data from 2019 MoGo Member survey to show the top words members use to describe their MoGo experience
- Saved the ipython and original csv file for creating MoGo Word Cloud so that it can be used to update every year
| 2019_mogo_wordcloud.png |
Project #3: Data Visualizations
Detroit Zip Code Map
Detroit Zip Code Map
- Gathered data from Comet and Console (MoGo’s operations management systems), cleaned the data, and traced each user’s zip code to the corresponding state, city, and county
- Used Tableau to create Detroit Zip Code Map to show the number of riders in each zip code area
| detroit_zipcode_map.png |
Southeast Michigan Riders Map
- Grouped the Zip Code Map data by county and showed the distribution of ridership around the seven counties of Southeast Michigan
| southeast_michigan_zipcode_map.png |
Rider Distribution Map
- Used Tableau to plot the MoGo riders distribution map over the United States to illustrate MoGo’s national influence
| us_rider_distribution.png |
Station Popularity Heat Map
- Gathered data from Comet and integrated the data with each MoGo station’s latitude and longitude data
- Used Tableau to create a heat map to show the popularity of each of the 44 MoGo stations
- Developed marketing and operation strategies based on the station popularity map
| station_popularity_heat_map.png |
Survey Highlights
- Gathered data from 2019 Member Survey and 2019 Daily Users Survey and determined which survey question results MoGo should communicate in the impact report
- Created data visualizations including a pie chart and stacked column bar graph to display survey highlights and saved it as a template for future use
Project #4: Analyzing Rider Data to Create Rider Profiles in Impact Report
One feature of last year’s annual report was rider profiles, which showcased specific MoGo users and highlighted their reasons for using MoGo. The rider profiles are a fun way to articulate MoGo’s diverse ridership base in terms of race, gender, age, ability, and purposes. This year’s impact report will contain a similar feature.
- Utilized a combination of survey data and rider data from MoGo’s operations platform Comet to find potential candidates for this year’s rider profiles based on specific criteria such as number of trips taken, reasons for using MoGo, amount of money spent while using MoGo, and Access pass use
- Recorded findings on a document and presented it to Rory and Adriel, who will be reaching out to the candidates in the near future
Project #5: Featured Rides for MoGo North
Early in the summer, we were told that MoGo plans on expanding to Northwest Detroit and five communities in southern Oakland County in a new system known as “MoGo North”. The MoGo website already has a segment of featured rides for the current service area, which lists some bike-friendly routes in the city and fun activities to do near certain MoGo stations. As a person that enjoys reading maps and exploring new places, Kevin decided to create a similar featured rides segment for MoGo North.
- Mapped out bike-friendly routes between MoGo North stations in Ferndale, Oak Park, Royal Oak, Berkley, and Northwest Detroit using Google My Maps
- Compiled a list of restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment venues in close proximity to the stations included in the featured rides
- Developed a document containing 11 new featured rides for the expansion area that will be added onto the website once MoGo North launches. The document features specific stations in the expansion area, directions between them, and nearby activities to do.
- Determined that adding a link to the Transit App on the top of each featured rides page (both the ones currently on the website for the current service area and the ones for MoGo North that will eventually be added) would be the most user-friendly option. It also reinforces MoGo’s partnership with Transit and promote greater use of the app.
NextEnergy
Students: Saagar Jain and Maggie Pan
NextEnergy is a nonprofit organization with the mission of accelerating cleaner, more sustainable, and more accessible solutions in communities through testing and demonstrations, partnerships, consulting, grant funding, and project management. Through these services, NextEnergy works with communities to create strategies to implement innovative solutions in smart mobility and smart grid. They organize NextChallenge, an annual competition to give companies a chance to present their technologies and receive various opportunities like grants, demonstration deployment, and project support. NextEnergy has done work in extreme fast-charging for electric vehicles (EVs), PlanetM mobility grant pilots, and advanced lighting demonstrations.
Project
Final Goal: The overall goals of our project were to identify factors that make a community an ideal target for a smart city program, compile a list of initial target communities, and provide recommendations for the implementation of the program based on conversations with city officials. Our final list was created through an objective and then a subjective approach. We approached this task with a three-pronged plan:
Competitors Analysis and Case Studies
We first performed an analysis of NextEnergy’s competitors by researching national and Michigan-based organizations that work in the mobility or clean energy spaces. The competitor analysis is important because it helps identify existing gaps where NextEnergy can have a competitive advantage and may allow NextEnergy to learn from what has worked in the past. We compiled a list of around 60 organizations and determined whether each company was a potential partner, a source of funding, a competitor, or a potential model. We organized this list based on various factors including scope of work, sector, and more.
Next, we identified two organizations that seemed especially promising as potential partners or models and performed case studies on them. We created presentations outlining their past work and how a potential partnership could supplement NextEnergy’s smart city program.
Certification Program Research
Our second project was to research different environmental certification programs that Michigan cities participate in, such as the Michigan Green Communities Challenge (MGCC). By conducting a case study on this program and other national programs, we were able to identify different features for a potential certification program structure for NextEnergy to implement. We presented our findings and a rough program proposal to the NextEnergy staff.
To connect this task with our overall goal for the summer, we began to analyze how the certification program affected the city participants. We analyzed city participation rates and certification level trajectories to measure the success of the program. To identify room for improvement, we contacted certain city participants to learn more about their pain points, suggestions for improving the program, and identify potential partnerships for the smart city program.
City Outreach and Analysis
Our next step was to create a database that included every municipality in Michigan, consisting of cities, townships, villages, etc. We created a list of over 700 Michigan cities and input them into an excel spreadsheet along with relevant information about each city, including its county, prosperity region, population, MGCC certification status, and more. Then, we analyzed this data to determine target prosperity regions (geographical location) and population ranges that would be ideal for the smart city program. This allowed us to eliminate many communities that did not fall within these target ranges.
We then created a list of cities with the relevant person or department to outreach through phone calls or in-person meetings. This list of cities was first based on selected participants in the MGCC based on our previous data analyses and then expanded beyond MGCC participants. As briefly mentioned in the second task, we asked questions relating to the certification program, past and future environmental projects, and any struggles they have faced, while also gauging interest in a smart city program. This section of the reduced our list of target cities in a more subjective way, rather than just numbers. We were able to identify certain cities that stood out as promising partners so NextEnergy can implement their smart city program with a clearer direction and new city relationships.
Deliverables
Note: Most of our deliverables are confidential so we are unable to share them
Final Presentation: final_presentation.pdf
Students: Saagar Jain and Maggie Pan
NextEnergy is a nonprofit organization with the mission of accelerating cleaner, more sustainable, and more accessible solutions in communities through testing and demonstrations, partnerships, consulting, grant funding, and project management. Through these services, NextEnergy works with communities to create strategies to implement innovative solutions in smart mobility and smart grid. They organize NextChallenge, an annual competition to give companies a chance to present their technologies and receive various opportunities like grants, demonstration deployment, and project support. NextEnergy has done work in extreme fast-charging for electric vehicles (EVs), PlanetM mobility grant pilots, and advanced lighting demonstrations.
Project
Final Goal: The overall goals of our project were to identify factors that make a community an ideal target for a smart city program, compile a list of initial target communities, and provide recommendations for the implementation of the program based on conversations with city officials. Our final list was created through an objective and then a subjective approach. We approached this task with a three-pronged plan:
Competitors Analysis and Case Studies
We first performed an analysis of NextEnergy’s competitors by researching national and Michigan-based organizations that work in the mobility or clean energy spaces. The competitor analysis is important because it helps identify existing gaps where NextEnergy can have a competitive advantage and may allow NextEnergy to learn from what has worked in the past. We compiled a list of around 60 organizations and determined whether each company was a potential partner, a source of funding, a competitor, or a potential model. We organized this list based on various factors including scope of work, sector, and more.
Next, we identified two organizations that seemed especially promising as potential partners or models and performed case studies on them. We created presentations outlining their past work and how a potential partnership could supplement NextEnergy’s smart city program.
Certification Program Research
Our second project was to research different environmental certification programs that Michigan cities participate in, such as the Michigan Green Communities Challenge (MGCC). By conducting a case study on this program and other national programs, we were able to identify different features for a potential certification program structure for NextEnergy to implement. We presented our findings and a rough program proposal to the NextEnergy staff.
To connect this task with our overall goal for the summer, we began to analyze how the certification program affected the city participants. We analyzed city participation rates and certification level trajectories to measure the success of the program. To identify room for improvement, we contacted certain city participants to learn more about their pain points, suggestions for improving the program, and identify potential partnerships for the smart city program.
City Outreach and Analysis
Our next step was to create a database that included every municipality in Michigan, consisting of cities, townships, villages, etc. We created a list of over 700 Michigan cities and input them into an excel spreadsheet along with relevant information about each city, including its county, prosperity region, population, MGCC certification status, and more. Then, we analyzed this data to determine target prosperity regions (geographical location) and population ranges that would be ideal for the smart city program. This allowed us to eliminate many communities that did not fall within these target ranges.
We then created a list of cities with the relevant person or department to outreach through phone calls or in-person meetings. This list of cities was first based on selected participants in the MGCC based on our previous data analyses and then expanded beyond MGCC participants. As briefly mentioned in the second task, we asked questions relating to the certification program, past and future environmental projects, and any struggles they have faced, while also gauging interest in a smart city program. This section of the reduced our list of target cities in a more subjective way, rather than just numbers. We were able to identify certain cities that stood out as promising partners so NextEnergy can implement their smart city program with a clearer direction and new city relationships.
Deliverables
Note: Most of our deliverables are confidential so we are unable to share them
- Database of competitor organizations
- Case study presentations
- Database of all 700+ Michigan municipalities
- Final report outlining our methodology and our findings
- List of target cities based on analysis
- City responses
- Potential Certification Program Outline
- Final Recommendations
Final Presentation: final_presentation.pdf
TechTown Detroit
Students: Becca Luner, Xin Wang, and Andy Zhang
TechTown is Detroit’s hub for all things entrepreneurship. As an incubator and accelerator, they offer coworking and office space, and help connect entrepreneurs to resources, and learning and networking events in Detroit. With a full suite of programs for both tech and neighborhood small businesses, TechTown work with businesses at all stages, helping startup, emerging and established companies develop, launch and grow.
Our Projects
We completed three projects for TechTown. Our first project was to examine the needs of place-based and tech-based alumni through surveys to create recommendations on how to keep them connected with TechTown. The second project was elaborating on existing events and suggesting new resources for Wayne State’s Innovation Studio. Finally, we created a framework for TechTown to use when pairing developers with startups, with the hope that these developers will eventually become the CTOs of their companies.
Alumni Project:
Innovation Studio:
Developer Project:
Students: Becca Luner, Xin Wang, and Andy Zhang
TechTown is Detroit’s hub for all things entrepreneurship. As an incubator and accelerator, they offer coworking and office space, and help connect entrepreneurs to resources, and learning and networking events in Detroit. With a full suite of programs for both tech and neighborhood small businesses, TechTown work with businesses at all stages, helping startup, emerging and established companies develop, launch and grow.
Our Projects
We completed three projects for TechTown. Our first project was to examine the needs of place-based and tech-based alumni through surveys to create recommendations on how to keep them connected with TechTown. The second project was elaborating on existing events and suggesting new resources for Wayne State’s Innovation Studio. Finally, we created a framework for TechTown to use when pairing developers with startups, with the hope that these developers will eventually become the CTOs of their companies.
Alumni Project:
- Cleaned data collected from place-based survey results, and then calculated probabilities and created visualizations using Python/Pandas
- Performed data analysis on the place-based alumni survey results and finalized our report with detailed recommendations for alumni of each program
- Created and gave a presentation to the place-based team detailing findings from the place-based alumni survey
- Created survey questions for tech-based alumni by refining and adding to the existing place-based survey questions according to the interviews conducted
- Modified the place-based Python code to apply specifically to the tech survey
- Created an instruction document and trained Joanna and Myka on using the Python code to process tech survey data, which will not come in until after we leave
Innovation Studio:
- Performed background research on top-ranked entrepreneurship programs at various universities
- Created a whole-year project proposal for the relaunched Wayne State Innovation Studio with calendar of suggested new events’ formats, subjects, and purposes
- Curated a suggested entrepreneurship reading list for students to consult
- Suggested a myriad of program topics and incentives
Developer Project:
- Expanded the standard form of TechTown’s professional service network (PSN) application to specifically accommodate tech developers’ criteria
- Created a list of incentives for developers to join TechTown’s CRM platform
- Formed a guide of facilitating good partnership with suggested soft skills for TechTown as a resource for the developers in the CRM, in hopes that they will become a CTO of a startup
- Created a list of local and global organizations from which to potentially source developers
| guide_to_techscript.py.pdf |
| techscript.py.pdf |
| place-based_alumni_report.pdf |
| innovation_studio_calendar.pdf |
| developer_project.pdf |
2018 projects
MoGo Detroit
Students: Samantha Miezio and Dennis Nguyen
MoGo is Detroit’s first public bike share system designed to build equity in transportation for all demographics. Designed for quick trips around town, MoGo serves as a fun and convenient way for Detroit citizens to get where they need to be in a sustainable fashion. As fellows for the organization, we were given autonomy in creating independent projects in order to improve the overall accessibility of MoGo. Although we began the program primarily expanding on the Adaptive MoGo Program, we quickly found new ways to contribute to other areas of the organization through our various projects.
Adaptive MoGo
Adaptive MoGo is a program that allows those who can not ride a traditional two wheel bicycle to enjoy the thrill of biking via adaptive bicycles. The program primarily caters to the disabled and elderly. We worked to improve the outreach of Adaptive MoGo by reaching out to various organizations that would be interested (i.e nursing homes, senior centers, disability organizations, rehab centers). Our work consisted of telemarketing as well as presentations to event coordinators/administrators of these organizations.
Social Media - Snapchat and Marketing
Although MoGo currently has a following on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, we decided that a Snapchat marketing campaign would appeal to millenials and further the organization’s outreach. We began our marketing by creating geofilters and placing them in strategic areas to be seen by Snapchat users in the area. On the day of the fireworks to celebrate American and Canadian Independence, we placed a geofilter at Hart Plaza, the most popular location to view the fireworks. In this short time span, our geofilter was able to garner 4.1k views, 2.8k swipes, and 104 total uses.
Detroit Experience Factory x MoGo Collaboration
Detroit Experience Factory is an organization that provides guided tours to allow newcomers and locals alike to become more connected with the people, places, and projects in Detroit. Although DXF’s work is slowly improving people’s perception of Detroit, we believed that biking tours would provide a new perspective to the city. After coordinating with team members at DXF, we were able to implement MoGo in a comprehensive bike tour of the Riverfront, Eastern Market, and the Dequindre Cut, which took place on July 19th, 2018.
Surveys: Intercept and Member Feedback
Last year’s DukeEngage Fellows for MoGo were tasked with working on an Evaluation Plan for MoGo via different surveys. We continued on their work by developing a casual intercept survey for passerby Detroiters at various stations and members returning/checking out MoGo bikes. With the help of MoGo’s Brand Ambassadors, we were able to implement these surveys at nine different stations to gather relevant information such as consumer willingness-to-pay price points, demand for single trip passes, and current barriers to using bike-share.
In addition, we developed a member feedback survey that would be emailed to current and former members. The purpose of this survey was to determine customer use and satisfaction.
Additional Projects:
In addition to our main four independent projects, we had the opportunity to assist the MoGo team in their own initiatives and lay the framework for post-summer projects.
Students: Samantha Miezio and Dennis Nguyen
MoGo is Detroit’s first public bike share system designed to build equity in transportation for all demographics. Designed for quick trips around town, MoGo serves as a fun and convenient way for Detroit citizens to get where they need to be in a sustainable fashion. As fellows for the organization, we were given autonomy in creating independent projects in order to improve the overall accessibility of MoGo. Although we began the program primarily expanding on the Adaptive MoGo Program, we quickly found new ways to contribute to other areas of the organization through our various projects.
Adaptive MoGo
Adaptive MoGo is a program that allows those who can not ride a traditional two wheel bicycle to enjoy the thrill of biking via adaptive bicycles. The program primarily caters to the disabled and elderly. We worked to improve the outreach of Adaptive MoGo by reaching out to various organizations that would be interested (i.e nursing homes, senior centers, disability organizations, rehab centers). Our work consisted of telemarketing as well as presentations to event coordinators/administrators of these organizations.
Social Media - Snapchat and Marketing
Although MoGo currently has a following on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, we decided that a Snapchat marketing campaign would appeal to millenials and further the organization’s outreach. We began our marketing by creating geofilters and placing them in strategic areas to be seen by Snapchat users in the area. On the day of the fireworks to celebrate American and Canadian Independence, we placed a geofilter at Hart Plaza, the most popular location to view the fireworks. In this short time span, our geofilter was able to garner 4.1k views, 2.8k swipes, and 104 total uses.
Detroit Experience Factory x MoGo Collaboration
Detroit Experience Factory is an organization that provides guided tours to allow newcomers and locals alike to become more connected with the people, places, and projects in Detroit. Although DXF’s work is slowly improving people’s perception of Detroit, we believed that biking tours would provide a new perspective to the city. After coordinating with team members at DXF, we were able to implement MoGo in a comprehensive bike tour of the Riverfront, Eastern Market, and the Dequindre Cut, which took place on July 19th, 2018.
Surveys: Intercept and Member Feedback
Last year’s DukeEngage Fellows for MoGo were tasked with working on an Evaluation Plan for MoGo via different surveys. We continued on their work by developing a casual intercept survey for passerby Detroiters at various stations and members returning/checking out MoGo bikes. With the help of MoGo’s Brand Ambassadors, we were able to implement these surveys at nine different stations to gather relevant information such as consumer willingness-to-pay price points, demand for single trip passes, and current barriers to using bike-share.
In addition, we developed a member feedback survey that would be emailed to current and former members. The purpose of this survey was to determine customer use and satisfaction.
Additional Projects:
In addition to our main four independent projects, we had the opportunity to assist the MoGo team in their own initiatives and lay the framework for post-summer projects.
- Assisted in the planning of Roland Leggett’s initiative CloseCall Detroit, an online tool that allows users to identify dangerous biking and walking conditions around Southeastern Michigan
- Began the development of a new webpage for Open Streets Detroit, an event that provides fitness, recreation, and community development opportunities along city streets at Rouge Park and Southwest Detroit
- Researched and lay the framework for a potential equity report to determine the accessibility of MoGo for various demographics (i.e income classes, race, age)
- Conducted workforce development research and proposed potential initiatives:
- Collaboration with farmer’s markets to provide nutrition education for low income citizens
- Collaboration with local libraries to provide literacy education and MoGo Access Passes for state benefit recipients
Build Institute
Students: Tonya Chen & Sahil Gupta
Build Institute Description:
Build Institute is a small business incubator established in 2012. Located in Detroit, Build seeks to empower people, especially those in small neglected neighborhoods with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to start a business from scratch. With the “Start, Build, Grow” education model, Build provides numerous courses like Build Basics and Co.Starters that tailor class material to participants at different stages of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, Build offers micro-lending opportunities through Kiva and give graduates access to their partners for additional funding. To date, Build Institute has 1475 graduates who have gone through one or more of its programs.
Our Projects:
Annual Alumni Questionnaire:
2018 Annual Economic Impact Report:
2018 EHIP Summit Science Fair Board:
Students: Tonya Chen & Sahil Gupta
Build Institute Description:
Build Institute is a small business incubator established in 2012. Located in Detroit, Build seeks to empower people, especially those in small neglected neighborhoods with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to start a business from scratch. With the “Start, Build, Grow” education model, Build provides numerous courses like Build Basics and Co.Starters that tailor class material to participants at different stages of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, Build offers micro-lending opportunities through Kiva and give graduates access to their partners for additional funding. To date, Build Institute has 1475 graduates who have gone through one or more of its programs.
Our Projects:
Annual Alumni Questionnaire:
- Build Institute relies on information from its alumni for grants and funding. Valuable information such as amount of business created by the incubator or specific minorities supported through programs are crucial for Build Institute's funding. This task involved creating and managing a survey that successfully and accurately obtains information from alumni while maintaining a low margin of error.
- Developed logic based survey that effectively and concisely obtained valuable information from alumni including demographics, business information, and satisfaction rates. Artfully crafted questions to eliminate bias and retain user attention.
- Researched effective incentives for the survey to maximize response rate. Implemented and maintained an Amazon incentives program for the survey. Response rate more than doubled from last year due to incentive.
- Researched effective survey techniques to maximize user satisfaction. Looked into which specific words, question formats, and question orders to increase response rates.
- Developed unique identification procedure for the anonymous survey. Developed a method in which a unique but identical code is generated each time per specific user, which allows for data to be tracked across time per alumnus while keeping the alumnus' identity and sensitive information anonymous.
- Went through all 1475 Build Institute alumni and researched alumnus to determine his current business status. Utilize Facebook, LinkedIn, business websites, Instagram, and the NeonCRM to determine whether a business was active or not.
2018 Annual Economic Impact Report:
- Measures Build’s impacts on Detroit economy and society since 2012, with a special focus on 2017-2018.
- Complied basic information on Build, their history, mission, vision, staff and program offerings.
- Evaluated these tools by reading reviews, browsing through prospective websites, and assessing experiences with their free trials.
- Presented to GLF Detroit’s program executive director and program associate on the top 4 tools researched and individual assessments of tools.
- Worked with branch leaders to choose SmarterQueue as the social management tool of choice for GreenLight Fund Detroit with its capacities and needs.
2018 EHIP Summit Science Fair Board:
- Created a science fair board for a entrepreneurship summit held in Missouri. Presented key statistics regarding Build, their program structure, and photos that best represent what Build does.
- Build intends to push forth a paid alumni membership in which subscribers can request special services and create alumni and business directories. Build is moving to a new office next year that enables them to have more free space and rooms.
- As a foundation for Build’s rebranding program efforts, we did research on over 20 chambers of commerce and co-working spaces in Detroit and elsewhere. We compiled a list of models for membership structure, co-working space models, and pricing structure for advertisement on alumni directories. After looking at various relevant models, we came up with model recommendations that best fit Build.
- The NeonCRM was a relatively new system the Build team recently adapted; one project was to develop this system to utilize its functionality.
- Cleaned the system by removing 750+ duplicate individual and organization accounts in the system and merging appropriate accounts with one another.
- Implemented alumni membership. This is a membership which alumni can subscribe to in order to consolidate Build Institute's alumni and uniformly provide benefits and relevant information to them. Also instituted the membership to easily access information regarding Build Institute's alumni, including demographic data and business info.
- Rolled out the membership to alumni by pushing out easy-to-follow instructions to all alumni.
- Coded the frontend of the alumni portal, providing a more user-friendly experience for the alumni while they navigate their new NeonCRM accounts. Coded visually appealing layout for alumni, allowing them to easily see announcements, builders in the news, events, and requests/message board.
| final_presentation.pptx |
ProsperUS Detroit
Students: Blake McCann & Ava Xu
ProsperUS Detroit is a nonprofit that belongs under the umbrella of Southwest Solutions. ProsperUS is composed of three different pillars. These include entrepreneur training, micro-lending, and business services assistance. ProsperUS has played a pivotal role in helping primarily minority entrepreneurs in the greater Detroit area grow their businesses.
Project #1 – Mapping
Our first major project at ProsperUS Detroit was to update the mapping for ProsperUS’ lending team. This map includes every business that has closed a loan through ProsperUS. On this map we included location of the business, business type, and loan amount. This was an effort for the lending team to have a greater understanding of where exactly they were executing their loans. This map is of course confidential with sensitive information as it relates to the financials of these individuals.
In addition to updating the lending map, we also updated the in-business map for ProsperUS. This is a much more general map that includes all businesses that have any affiliation with the nonprofit. These businesses are run by graduates of the training class, recipients of business services, and loan recipients without including their financial information. We expanded this map by researching each business that belonged to these three categories and seeing which ones were transactional. This included calling recent graduates of the training class to see where they were at with their business. We also looked at the original map and removed any that were no longer in business. We created an excel sheet to accompany this map.
In-Business Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1PMYssio8sPeSjTEMVtRaP-Ij_x8&ll=42.36290683882891%2C-83.14543399453123&z=10
Project #2 – Storytelling
The second major project we conducted was storytelling interviews. Blake did two interviews, and Ava also did two interviews. These interviews were with affiliates of ProsperUS who were recommended by ProsperUS staff for their incredible story of resilience and worthiness of a long write-up. We collectively agreed that this was the best project because it was really neat to hear their stories. After doing these interviews, we did long write-ups that will later be published on the website. We had these stories reviewed twice before submitting final drafts on WordPress. We also gathered multiple photos to accompany each of these write-ups.
REMINDER – Stories have not yet been posted on the website. Check back on http://www.prosperusdetroit.org/impact/ to see the stories once they are posted.
Project #3 – Financial Template/Business Template
This was by far the lengthiest project we conducted during our time at ProsperUS Detroit. To begin this project, we reached out to the trainers of the entrepreneur training class to see their feedback on how the curriculum currently addresses the topics of the financial templates and business templates and maybe places we could improve on those subjects.
Blake was responsible for doing the financial templates portion of this project. The popular feedback we received from the trainers as it related to financial templates was the need to have electronic recording sheets that included formulas to automate most all computations. In addition to this, there was also expression of the need for more clarity over what exactly these values mean for the entrepreneur. Blake attempted to tackle both of these concepts when making these Google Sheets. He made a template for daily, weekly, and monthly bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, credit card journal, and the three financial statements. In addition to the template for each of these, Blake also took screenshots of the different formulas and included a formula guide for each template. There was also the creation of a direction list and glossary to accompany each sheet.
Ava was responsible for doing the business plan template portion of this project. We received similar feedback for the business plans from the trainers so Ava wanted her templates to be exhaustive enough to include criteria for businesses across many industries, but not too exhaustive that entrepreneurs feel intimidated by the prospect of a business plan. Ava included a glossary to go with her template to ensure that there was no confusion for any of the categories.
*These templates will soon be branded and utilized by ProsperUS, but you can see previews of them in the final presentation below.
Miscellaneous Projects
Blake updated historical data for both lending and business services for evaluation purposes. This helped these groups get a better sense of the racial and gender breakdown of their clients amongst many other categories.
We created an off boarding infographic for graduates of the entrepreneurship training class. This sheet has contact information of each member of the ProsperUS staff and potential reasons for why someone would reach out to them.
Updating lending portfolios for closed loans. This was done for potential future audits.
Helped an entrepreneur fill out a Hatch Detroit application which is a grant meant for individuals opening up a brick and mortar space. Also helped this individual create financial projections for the same application.
Final Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1e-Qd7mucdaYGmDKbBo3rKgVN8_8cS2IekkQ5Hvw8foI/edit?usp=sharing
Students: Blake McCann & Ava Xu
ProsperUS Detroit is a nonprofit that belongs under the umbrella of Southwest Solutions. ProsperUS is composed of three different pillars. These include entrepreneur training, micro-lending, and business services assistance. ProsperUS has played a pivotal role in helping primarily minority entrepreneurs in the greater Detroit area grow their businesses.
Project #1 – Mapping
Our first major project at ProsperUS Detroit was to update the mapping for ProsperUS’ lending team. This map includes every business that has closed a loan through ProsperUS. On this map we included location of the business, business type, and loan amount. This was an effort for the lending team to have a greater understanding of where exactly they were executing their loans. This map is of course confidential with sensitive information as it relates to the financials of these individuals.
In addition to updating the lending map, we also updated the in-business map for ProsperUS. This is a much more general map that includes all businesses that have any affiliation with the nonprofit. These businesses are run by graduates of the training class, recipients of business services, and loan recipients without including their financial information. We expanded this map by researching each business that belonged to these three categories and seeing which ones were transactional. This included calling recent graduates of the training class to see where they were at with their business. We also looked at the original map and removed any that were no longer in business. We created an excel sheet to accompany this map.
In-Business Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1PMYssio8sPeSjTEMVtRaP-Ij_x8&ll=42.36290683882891%2C-83.14543399453123&z=10
Project #2 – Storytelling
The second major project we conducted was storytelling interviews. Blake did two interviews, and Ava also did two interviews. These interviews were with affiliates of ProsperUS who were recommended by ProsperUS staff for their incredible story of resilience and worthiness of a long write-up. We collectively agreed that this was the best project because it was really neat to hear their stories. After doing these interviews, we did long write-ups that will later be published on the website. We had these stories reviewed twice before submitting final drafts on WordPress. We also gathered multiple photos to accompany each of these write-ups.
REMINDER – Stories have not yet been posted on the website. Check back on http://www.prosperusdetroit.org/impact/ to see the stories once they are posted.
Project #3 – Financial Template/Business Template
This was by far the lengthiest project we conducted during our time at ProsperUS Detroit. To begin this project, we reached out to the trainers of the entrepreneur training class to see their feedback on how the curriculum currently addresses the topics of the financial templates and business templates and maybe places we could improve on those subjects.
Blake was responsible for doing the financial templates portion of this project. The popular feedback we received from the trainers as it related to financial templates was the need to have electronic recording sheets that included formulas to automate most all computations. In addition to this, there was also expression of the need for more clarity over what exactly these values mean for the entrepreneur. Blake attempted to tackle both of these concepts when making these Google Sheets. He made a template for daily, weekly, and monthly bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, credit card journal, and the three financial statements. In addition to the template for each of these, Blake also took screenshots of the different formulas and included a formula guide for each template. There was also the creation of a direction list and glossary to accompany each sheet.
Ava was responsible for doing the business plan template portion of this project. We received similar feedback for the business plans from the trainers so Ava wanted her templates to be exhaustive enough to include criteria for businesses across many industries, but not too exhaustive that entrepreneurs feel intimidated by the prospect of a business plan. Ava included a glossary to go with her template to ensure that there was no confusion for any of the categories.
*These templates will soon be branded and utilized by ProsperUS, but you can see previews of them in the final presentation below.
Miscellaneous Projects
Blake updated historical data for both lending and business services for evaluation purposes. This helped these groups get a better sense of the racial and gender breakdown of their clients amongst many other categories.
We created an off boarding infographic for graduates of the entrepreneurship training class. This sheet has contact information of each member of the ProsperUS staff and potential reasons for why someone would reach out to them.
Updating lending portfolios for closed loans. This was done for potential future audits.
Helped an entrepreneur fill out a Hatch Detroit application which is a grant meant for individuals opening up a brick and mortar space. Also helped this individual create financial projections for the same application.
Final Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1e-Qd7mucdaYGmDKbBo3rKgVN8_8cS2IekkQ5Hvw8foI/edit?usp=sharing
TechTown Detroit
Students: Christopher Warren & Sofia Nieto
TechTown Detroit is a business incubator that supports entrepreneurs all over Detroit. Within TechTown, the Blocks programs specifically help serious retail entrepreneurs with excellent ideas and experience. This help reaches to all types of retail stores, ranging from bakeries, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, grocery stores, fitness studios, hair salons and other service-based or lifestyle business, as well as small manufacturers.
SWOT City is a program within the Blocks section of TechTown which provides unique support for all Brick-and-mortar businesses in Detroit neighborhoods. Skilled professionals help owners with one-on-one assistance, creating a plan to help launch, stabilize, and grow their business which strengthen local neighborhoods and districts. Retail Services also help entrepreneurs get ready to launch their own retail business. Retail Bootcamp is at the core of this, which is an intensive 8-week program that prepares entrepreneurs to open their Brick-and-Mortar business. Along with this training, Retail Bootcamp also provides funding, office space and a network of resources that owners can take advantage of to start up their business. Cass Collective and The Shop are programs under other Retail Services that are pop-up opportunities that entrepreneurs can use to help grow their business.
Our Projects:
We were tasked to help create a retrospective 5-year economic impact report for both SWOT City and Retail Bootcamp. This report is a major help to both of these programs, because previously data acquisition for all the clients and businesses interactions have not been as efficient the staff wanted. This report helps fill in missing data that was either not recorded or lost over the years, identify trends that were not previously recognized, and help make suggestions in order to more consistently record data in the future
SWOT City Impact Report
Students: Christopher Warren & Sofia Nieto
TechTown Detroit is a business incubator that supports entrepreneurs all over Detroit. Within TechTown, the Blocks programs specifically help serious retail entrepreneurs with excellent ideas and experience. This help reaches to all types of retail stores, ranging from bakeries, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, grocery stores, fitness studios, hair salons and other service-based or lifestyle business, as well as small manufacturers.
SWOT City is a program within the Blocks section of TechTown which provides unique support for all Brick-and-mortar businesses in Detroit neighborhoods. Skilled professionals help owners with one-on-one assistance, creating a plan to help launch, stabilize, and grow their business which strengthen local neighborhoods and districts. Retail Services also help entrepreneurs get ready to launch their own retail business. Retail Bootcamp is at the core of this, which is an intensive 8-week program that prepares entrepreneurs to open their Brick-and-Mortar business. Along with this training, Retail Bootcamp also provides funding, office space and a network of resources that owners can take advantage of to start up their business. Cass Collective and The Shop are programs under other Retail Services that are pop-up opportunities that entrepreneurs can use to help grow their business.
Our Projects:
We were tasked to help create a retrospective 5-year economic impact report for both SWOT City and Retail Bootcamp. This report is a major help to both of these programs, because previously data acquisition for all the clients and businesses interactions have not been as efficient the staff wanted. This report helps fill in missing data that was either not recorded or lost over the years, identify trends that were not previously recognized, and help make suggestions in order to more consistently record data in the future
SWOT City Impact Report
- Created an economic impact report using Infogram to visualize and identify data from 2012-2018
- The available data was in two places: Old Microsoft Excel Sheets and TechTown’s custom database MINOS. To prevent any repeats in data that might have been in these places, we used a code called a macro in Microsoft Excel. This code highlighted and deleted any duplicate entries to make our results more accurate.
- The metrics we decided to include, based off of our research of other economic impact reports were: total number, neighborhoods, industry, demographics (race/ethnicity, gender, veteran and immigrant status), funding, referrals, businesses assisted in launching, and jobs created
- We identified any missing data statistics and identified major trends that have not previously been noticed
| swot_city_economic_impact_report.pdf |
Retail Bootcamp Impact Report
- Created an Economic impact report using Infogram for the Retail Bootcamp Program that includes all the data from when the program first started
- Used the same methods for data acquisition used for the SWOT City report to do the Retail Bootcamp report.
- This data did not have multiple sources, therefore all of the data that was collected and analyzed was in the Minos Database
- Retail Bootcamp also included a survey section for past clients to fill out. This was an additional form of qualitative data that we organized in order to figure out what the outlook on the program was.
- Created suggestions for this survey in order to increase the percentage of clients that fill this out, and how to make it more convenient without changing the program itself.
| rbc_economic_impact_report.pdf |
Cass Collective and The Shop
- Collected all the data that has been recorded for these two programs
- Created graphics on any survey results and data that we found from custom made MINOS reports
- Included suggestions for how data acquisition for these two programs can be better in the future.
| the-shop-and-cass-collective-impact-report.pdf |
This was our final presentation which was a summary of what we accomplished over the summer as well as some of the graphs we used for out data.
GreenLight Fund Detroit
Students: Divya Juneja & Daniel Ntim
GreenLight Fund (GLF) Description:
GreenLight Fund is a nonprofit organization currently located in seven cities, one of which is Detroit. Every branch goes through an annual, five-step process that culminates into a single social impact investment. First, they work to discover and identify the most pressing social issues affecting low-income families and children within that specific city. Second, they scout the country to find organizations and nonprofits that work to combat the chosen issues. Third, they choose a single organization that best fits the community and that has an effective and innovative model for tackling the issue. Fourth, they invest in this organization so that it can open up a branch in the city and begin making a social impact on the community. Fifth, they measure the effectiveness of the organization within the city and whether its programs are making a difference in what they were set out to do. To ensure the local landscape of the city is perfectly understood, there is also a Selection Advisory Council made up of around 30 local leaders that meet with the city’s branch leaders a couple times a year to give advice on which issues GreenLight Fund should focus on and which organizations are best suited for Detroit.
Our Projects:
Pipeline:
Social Management Tools:
Students: Divya Juneja & Daniel Ntim
GreenLight Fund (GLF) Description:
GreenLight Fund is a nonprofit organization currently located in seven cities, one of which is Detroit. Every branch goes through an annual, five-step process that culminates into a single social impact investment. First, they work to discover and identify the most pressing social issues affecting low-income families and children within that specific city. Second, they scout the country to find organizations and nonprofits that work to combat the chosen issues. Third, they choose a single organization that best fits the community and that has an effective and innovative model for tackling the issue. Fourth, they invest in this organization so that it can open up a branch in the city and begin making a social impact on the community. Fifth, they measure the effectiveness of the organization within the city and whether its programs are making a difference in what they were set out to do. To ensure the local landscape of the city is perfectly understood, there is also a Selection Advisory Council made up of around 30 local leaders that meet with the city’s branch leaders a couple times a year to give advice on which issues GreenLight Fund should focus on and which organizations are best suited for Detroit.
Our Projects:
Pipeline:
- Researched 35-40 organizations and nonprofits whose missions address the issue areas for this year’s cycle.
- Used Salesforce to write up individual organization assessments for all organizations being added to our pipeline. These assessments include information on program model, results, national board members, number of sites, and 990 financial information.
- Also entered the research into a Google spreadsheet for Detroit branch members specifically to look at and work with. This spreadsheet included information on the program, outcomes, other site locations, contact information, as well as a link to the Salesforce organization assessment.
- Created a database in a Google spreadsheet with the social media habits of GreenLight Fund Detroit’s partners: these include organizations similar to GreenLight Fund Detroit that are also in the Detroit area, members of the Selection Advisory Council, investors, and accounts related to GreenLight Fund in other cities. The database had information on their websites, Facebook, Twitters, as well as how they best showcase social impact.
- Researched and compiled notes on the best communications practices for nonprofits similar to GreenLight Fund Detroit. Also looked to see whether any accounts in the database had made use of these practices and how it had worked for them.
- Presented a communication strategy for GreenLight Fund Detroit moving forward based on the analysis conducted about other accounts and research on communications practices.
- Compiled a list of 150 Twitter handles for the GreenLight Fund Detroit twitter account to follow and engage with.
Social Management Tools:
- Evaluated 12 social management tools based on whether it had a calendar display, how many people could be on it at once, pricing, and other logistical criteria.
- Organized findings and research into a Google document and a Google spreadsheet.
- Evaluated these tools by reading reviews, browsing through prospective websites, and assessing experiences with their free trials.
- Presented to GLF Detroit’s program executive director and program associate on the top 4 tools researched and individual assessments of tools.
- Worked with branch leaders to choose SmarterQueue as the social management tool of choice for GreenLight Fund Detroit with its capacities and needs.
- Developed a tweeting schedule for GreenLight Fund Detroit.
- Composed 150 new tweets to be put out over the next 6 months that both apply the social media analysis research and develop GreenLight Fund Detroit as a thought leader on social impact. Interacted with a variety of social impact leaders in Detroit.
- Wrote blog pieces on pressing issues in the Detroit community to be published on the GreenLight Fund website and later linked to in a tweet.
- Worked with Canva and Piktochart to create infographics to supplement the tweets.
- Implemented SmarterQueue and worked with branch leaders to determine the best-suited way to use the tool and organize tweets for the week.
- Wrote a set of detailed instructions on how to continue the social media and communications practices I have set up after we leave.
Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Impact Landscaping in Theory and in Practice:
- Researched 80-90 scholarly and mass media articles on the Social I’s and E’s (Impact, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship). A few of the sources were the UMich Ross Center for Social Impact, the Skoll Foundation, and the Stanford Social Innovation Review. A few of the mass media outlets were the New York Times, Forbes, the Huffington Post.
- Included local and national organizations who put these terms (social impact, social innovation, and social entrepreneurship) into practice like Rebel Nell, Goodwill Detroit, and the Empowerment Plan.
- Compiled research of definitions and practical examples organizations into 4 robust, categorized documents.
- Final Deliverable: A working Social I’s and E’s Framework document, which includes the 3-4 positive and 3-4 negative definitions of each term and 3-4 positive and 3-4 negative real-world examples or organizations who espoused these terms within their mission statement or vision (Organized in a Google Document).
- The overall purpose of this project is to establish common language and alliance of intent for Detroit and national players in the social impact and entrepreneurship ecosystem. GLF Detroit aims to be a thought leader in the social impact/entrepreneurship space.
- With a common language comes a foundational understanding of the terms from a proven, evidence-based standpoint.
Detroit Social Entrepreneurship/Impact Landscaping:
- Researched social entrepreneurs/entrepreneurships, social impact/social impact support organizations and organizing my findings into a robust database of 40-50 entries.
- Organized findings in a database with categories like org. type, sector, resources offered, url, description, contact info, etc.
- Some Resources Used: BizGrid, Build Institute Alumni Directory, and the EmpowerHer Social Entrepreneurship Conference Workshops
- Final Deliverable: Database of 40-50 social entrepreneurs, thought leaders, social impact support organizations, and nonprofits, and for profit entities who have been tied in one way or another with the Detroit’s social entrepreneurial ecosystem (organized in a Google Document).
Prospecting:
- Searched for potential funders, partners, sponsors for the Fall Launch Event for CEO, GreenLight Fund Detroit’s first investment. The launch event will be GLF welcoming the organization to the city and fostering more funding and partnership support for CEO.
- Prospecting (contextualizing the fundraising ecosystem) is essentially the first phase of event fundraising.
- Researched and documented:
- Top 10 workforce development companies/organizations in Detroit, along with the executive leadership from these organizations. From this prospecting, determined who would potentially support CEO.
- The top philanthropies and foundations in Detroit and CEOs/Directors from these organizations.
- Potential funders from companies/organizations who have just entered Detroit.
- Resources used: Crain’s Detroit Business Magazine, which included the largest philanthropies and nonprofits, 990 forms (financial statements), organization websites, and news articles/recent developments on organizations or individuals
- Final Deliverable: Robust pipeline of 40-50 potential supporters and funders for the Fall Launch event (Organized in a Google Spreadsheet).
Customer Relationship Management (CRM):
- In context of sales and funding, a customer relationship management (CRM) is a technology for managing a company’s relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers.
- Due to its organizational framework, GLF interacts with and connects with a broad array of people and organizations.
- The infrastructural CRM created this summer allows GLF as a nonprofit to more easily manage personal relationships and connections, allowing the organization to better inform its own network and vice versa.
- Provided an infrastructural CRM for GLF Detroit to use in the future for organized and intentional storage of individuals in its network who could be potential partners, funders, etc.
- The CRM tool created is coupled with data analytics of the database including numeric and visual distributions of individuals or partners with specific attributes such as type of organization affiliation, contact type, and source of interaction.
- Final Deliverable: Framework for the CRM tool with 20+ categories with contacts from work-associated Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and previous individuals in GLF’s immediate network. The CRM tool includes filtering tools, extensive settings, and data validation/drop-down lists (Organized in a multi-tab Google Spreadsheet). The CRM tool also comes with user instructions (Organized in a Google Document).
National Retreat Planning:
- GLF will be having its national retreat that will be taking place in Detroit this year.
- The executive leadership/national team of the organization will participate in tours and be exposed to the multi-faceted narrative of Detroit.
- Researched and determined tour locations, transportation options, catering options, and general tour logistics for the national team.
- Mapped out the tour routes in Detroit and optimized the travel times for the 6-hour tour.
Sample of one of the maps created with tour locations and optimized times:
Final Presentation:
| final_presentation.pdf |
DETROIT FOOD ACADEMY
Students: Lee Adi & Ajay Menon
Detroit Food Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that works with local educators, chefs, and business owners to inspire young Detroiters (ages 13-24) through self-directed entrepreneurial experiences rooted in food. Small Batch Detroit is a culinary training and employment program within Detroit Food Academy. Small Batch acts as a first paid job for DFA students who are seniors in high-school, serves as a training ground for alumni interested in the culinary arts, and generates revenue that supports Detroit Food Academy through the sale of Mitten Bites, Slow Jams, and Detroit Pop Shop.
Our Projects:
When we first met with Jake and Julie to discuss our projects for the summer, we were asked to focus on 5 general areas: the DFA Fellowship program, marketing, production, alumni development, and nutrition and fitness research. While we used these broad categories to guide us, we feel fortunate that Jake and Julie gave us autonomy in creating and developing some of our own projects. We ended up completing projects within various spheres of DFA and felt especially connected to the Fellowship projects.
Project 1: Marketing/Social Media
Students: Lee Adi & Ajay Menon
Detroit Food Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that works with local educators, chefs, and business owners to inspire young Detroiters (ages 13-24) through self-directed entrepreneurial experiences rooted in food. Small Batch Detroit is a culinary training and employment program within Detroit Food Academy. Small Batch acts as a first paid job for DFA students who are seniors in high-school, serves as a training ground for alumni interested in the culinary arts, and generates revenue that supports Detroit Food Academy through the sale of Mitten Bites, Slow Jams, and Detroit Pop Shop.
Our Projects:
When we first met with Jake and Julie to discuss our projects for the summer, we were asked to focus on 5 general areas: the DFA Fellowship program, marketing, production, alumni development, and nutrition and fitness research. While we used these broad categories to guide us, we feel fortunate that Jake and Julie gave us autonomy in creating and developing some of our own projects. We ended up completing projects within various spheres of DFA and felt especially connected to the Fellowship projects.
Project 1: Marketing/Social Media
- Photos/Digital Media
- We took many high-quality photos of Small Batch products, employees, and fellows in their work environments to enhance DFA’s social media presence and available content.
- Social Media
- We created social media calendars for the months of July and August on behalf of Small Batch. We were responsible for the content and timing of posts, and experimented with various marketing strategies, especially social media contests.
- NRAEF Partnership
- We created a funder-facing presentation that Small Batch will utilize to display their programming alignment with NRAEF standards. If successful, the NRAEF will provide funding and support for Small Batch participants.
- Marketing Suggestions Report
- We compiled a report stating what marketing strategies worked, what failed, and what we suggest DFA continues to research following our departure.
Below is a compilation of some of the digital media we created, in addition to the NRAEF-Small Batch presentation link.
| NRAEF-Small Batch Funder Presentation |
Project 2: Curriculum Development
- Financial Literacy
- We developed curriculum for a financial literacy program that will be implemented for future DFA and Small Batch participants. The curriculum encompasses numeracy, budgeting and saving, basic investment principles, tax and insurance, and homeownership with a focus on apartment-living.
- Nutrition and Fitness
- Similarly, we developed curriculum for a nutrition and fitness program that DFA will utilize internally to educate its own students and also to educate kids involved in other programs who work alongside DFA. We focused on concepts including healthy vs unhealthy carbs, fats, sources of protein and exercise.
- Masterlist
- Identifying a gap in DFA’s data, we decided that it would be in the best interest of the organization to possess a masterlist of every individual who has gone through the program in any capacity. We thus created a masterlist through excel that is searchable by the following criteria: name, school, and years in the program.
- Training Hours Breakdown
- Small Batch lacked an efficient tracking system to organize the hours worked by each employee. We created an organized document and simultaneously developed a method to track these hours by categorizing employee hours under three main categories: culinary work, leadership, and health. The first category consists of sub-categories that correspond to an NRAEF standard. This physical representation of how Small Batch’s work structure resembles the NRAEF trajectory will assist Small Batch’s acquisition of funding. The latter categories will be used for Small Batch’s own internal organization.
Below is a sample of the Training Hours Breakdown document for a Small Batch employee.
| Training Hours Breakdown Sample |
| Training Hours Breakdown Key |
Project 4: Employee Transition
- Post-Small Batch Plans
- We were originally tasked with engaging with Small Batch alumni and helping them plan for the future. After speaking with several of them, we realized that there was a slight aversion to any sort of goal-setting activity. Essentially, the alumni didn’t believe a low-commitment activity like that would help them enact change in their lives. We knew we had to put a lot of effort into connecting with them and urging them to go after available resources and opportunities, so we met with each individual several times and created a customized “Post-Small Batch Plan” for everyone. This document functioned differently for each individual but was generally focused on providing extensive information about resources that would help them achieve what they wanted to.
Below is one of the Post-Small Batch Plans we created.
| Post-Small Batch Plan Sample |
Project 5: The Fellowship Project
Jake and Julie often joked that the Fellowship program was our baby for the summer. We were tasked with assisting five DFA fellows (17-18 year olds) in their creation of a digital project that would display their unique skills and talents. Furthermore, we were asked to guide their professional development as they transitioned out of high-school and into college or the workforce.
Jake and Julie often joked that the Fellowship program was our baby for the summer. We were tasked with assisting five DFA fellows (17-18 year olds) in their creation of a digital project that would display their unique skills and talents. Furthermore, we were asked to guide their professional development as they transitioned out of high-school and into college or the workforce.
- Digital Projects
- We met with each fellow several times over the course of 6 weeks to plan and create a digital project. The projects included two personal websites, two videos, and a presentation. The fellows will be presenting their work to an audience at the Green Garage in August.
- Professional Development
- To guide the fellows’ professional development, we created resumes using a professional template and facilitated a workshop about networking and interview prep.
- Video Series
- While we were not originally tasked with this project, it became one of our largest projects of the summer. We felt that a video series highlighting the people within DFA could simultaneously help our fellows display their talents and serve as a powerful marketing tool for DFA.
Below are a link to a fellow's digital project, the itinerary/notes for the professional development workshop, and the Fellowship Video Series.
| June Workshop Plan |
Links to the rest of the video series:
Episode 1: Tremon
Episode 2: Daimonae
Episode 3: Emerald
Episode 4: Jordan
Episode 1: Tremon
Episode 2: Daimonae
Episode 3: Emerald
Episode 4: Jordan
If you would like to learn more about what we did this summer, below is a link to our final presentation!
| DFA FINAL PRESENTATION 2018 |
2017 projects
DETROIT FOOD ACADEMY
Students: Nalini Gupta & Tom Babucci
Detroit Food Academy is a non-profit that works with local educators, chefs, and business owners to inspire young Detroiters (ages 13-24) through self-directed entrepreneurial experiences rooted in food experiences which open doors, create connections and spark confidence.
Our Projects
The first half of our summer was basically content creation. We took over 300 pictures and produced 5 videos. We also created a presentation for a sales pitch to make it easier for DFA to reach out to potential clients. We did market research as well as looked at past data to have a quantitive measure of what DFA was doing.
Students: Nalini Gupta & Tom Babucci
Detroit Food Academy is a non-profit that works with local educators, chefs, and business owners to inspire young Detroiters (ages 13-24) through self-directed entrepreneurial experiences rooted in food experiences which open doors, create connections and spark confidence.
Our Projects
The first half of our summer was basically content creation. We took over 300 pictures and produced 5 videos. We also created a presentation for a sales pitch to make it easier for DFA to reach out to potential clients. We did market research as well as looked at past data to have a quantitive measure of what DFA was doing.
A sample of the pictures taken
During the second half we worked on 4 main projects and used the content we generated above.
Furthermore, we developed a sub domain for the DFA website about the partners and the alumni in order to create a narrative. We wanted to tell the DFA story and to do that, it was important to put the voices of partners as well as alumni out there. Each item in the website opens to give the viewer a short overview of how the alum/partner is connected to DFA and includes a short video of the interview.
2. Production Efficiency Report
We were asked to analyze the current production process and suggest ways and means to optimize it in order to increase production. After exploring the nitty gritties of the production process we made our recommendations. We created a different shift schedule which optimized the time spent in the kitchen so that the workers would not be idle. Our method should ideally increase production by almost a 1000 mitten bites bars per 6 hr shift.
3. Social Media Strategy
We set up the infrastructure so that posts could be planned, scheduled and sent out and someone wouldn’t have to constantly manage the accounts. We sent out at least 15 posts and expanded the reach of the program. Some of the posts received more that 2000 views.
- Website Development
Furthermore, we developed a sub domain for the DFA website about the partners and the alumni in order to create a narrative. We wanted to tell the DFA story and to do that, it was important to put the voices of partners as well as alumni out there. Each item in the website opens to give the viewer a short overview of how the alum/partner is connected to DFA and includes a short video of the interview.
2. Production Efficiency Report
We were asked to analyze the current production process and suggest ways and means to optimize it in order to increase production. After exploring the nitty gritties of the production process we made our recommendations. We created a different shift schedule which optimized the time spent in the kitchen so that the workers would not be idle. Our method should ideally increase production by almost a 1000 mitten bites bars per 6 hr shift.
3. Social Media Strategy
We set up the infrastructure so that posts could be planned, scheduled and sent out and someone wouldn’t have to constantly manage the accounts. We sent out at least 15 posts and expanded the reach of the program. Some of the posts received more that 2000 views.
4. Client Acquisition
Detroit Experience Factory
After participating in one of the tours hosted by DXF, we realized that the mission of Mitten Bites would fit in perfectly with the work of DXF. There was also a need for a snack during the bar tours that DXF conducted. Mitten Bites are now an optional snack in the private tours that DXF offers and DFA will be a feature on their small businesses tour.
Duke University
Mitten Bites would have fit perfectly at Duke. They are a product made by the students of DFA and they are a good fit for the health conscious student body. We reached out to Duke Dining as well as DukeEngage. The Mitten Bites will be a feature in the Duke Engage Academy 2017-2018. They may also be a feature of Red Mango at Duke. We created marketing material for the same.
We worked on a few small projects as well. We conducted a workshop for the students on how to use LinkedIn and Seelio. Tommaso produced a video for the Kite Festival and it was used in their marketing campaign. We participated in an event that DFA hosted at the Detroit Boxing Gym.
Our work with DFA taught us a lot. It highlighted our specific skill set while giving us the opportunity to new things and learn on the job. We are grateful for this opportunity.
Links to the videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjQ8p3cau5c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HygYzJNNBAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckue6KvQO3M
https://vimeo.com/222388127
https://vimeo.com/221790010
Link to presentation
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4EtsGFNPQscWGtrakJFaF9OUE0
Link to Websites
https://www.smallbatchdetroit.com
Detroit Experience Factory
After participating in one of the tours hosted by DXF, we realized that the mission of Mitten Bites would fit in perfectly with the work of DXF. There was also a need for a snack during the bar tours that DXF conducted. Mitten Bites are now an optional snack in the private tours that DXF offers and DFA will be a feature on their small businesses tour.
Duke University
Mitten Bites would have fit perfectly at Duke. They are a product made by the students of DFA and they are a good fit for the health conscious student body. We reached out to Duke Dining as well as DukeEngage. The Mitten Bites will be a feature in the Duke Engage Academy 2017-2018. They may also be a feature of Red Mango at Duke. We created marketing material for the same.
We worked on a few small projects as well. We conducted a workshop for the students on how to use LinkedIn and Seelio. Tommaso produced a video for the Kite Festival and it was used in their marketing campaign. We participated in an event that DFA hosted at the Detroit Boxing Gym.
Our work with DFA taught us a lot. It highlighted our specific skill set while giving us the opportunity to new things and learn on the job. We are grateful for this opportunity.
Links to the videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjQ8p3cau5c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HygYzJNNBAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckue6KvQO3M
https://vimeo.com/222388127
https://vimeo.com/221790010
Link to presentation
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4EtsGFNPQscWGtrakJFaF9OUE0
Link to Websites
https://www.smallbatchdetroit.com
| duke_final_proposal.pdf |
| production_gantt_chart.xlsx |
TECHTOWN DETROIT
Students: Leah Abrams & Zhao Ma
TechTown is a Detroit-based non-profit start-up incubator aimed at sparking economic revitalization throughout the city through social entrepreneurship. Divided into three sectors, Labs, Blocks, and Spaces, TechTown looks for equitable growth in tech, retail, and various other ventures throughout Detroit.
Project:
We worked with the Labs department on a project aimed at increasing the demographic diversity of clients in the technology sector. We helped TechTown redesign their data collection process, improving their chances of receiving grant-funding, and created an action plan based on qualitative research for the recruitment of more minority-owned and woman-owned start-ups. Our goal was to help TechTown reach an ideal representation model that would reflect the ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of the city of Detroit. Our purpose was to analyze and compare the data collection process and offer recommendations via the advice and feedback of past clients, DTX-fellows, and other incubators.
4 Pronged Plan:
Students: Leah Abrams & Zhao Ma
TechTown is a Detroit-based non-profit start-up incubator aimed at sparking economic revitalization throughout the city through social entrepreneurship. Divided into three sectors, Labs, Blocks, and Spaces, TechTown looks for equitable growth in tech, retail, and various other ventures throughout Detroit.
Project:
We worked with the Labs department on a project aimed at increasing the demographic diversity of clients in the technology sector. We helped TechTown redesign their data collection process, improving their chances of receiving grant-funding, and created an action plan based on qualitative research for the recruitment of more minority-owned and woman-owned start-ups. Our goal was to help TechTown reach an ideal representation model that would reflect the ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of the city of Detroit. Our purpose was to analyze and compare the data collection process and offer recommendations via the advice and feedback of past clients, DTX-fellows, and other incubators.
4 Pronged Plan:
- Data Collection Process
- Reshaped Data Collection Process to maximize automation
- Allowed staff to track engagements and referrals via unified database
- Implemented process-mapping and efficient modeling
- Link to report
- Ecosystem Comparisons
- Used tools of statistical analysis to compare TechTown's demographic reflectiveness of the city of Detroit to peer incubators' reflectiveness of their respective cities
- Gathered demographic data from 84 TechTown clients via survey and displayed in comparison with census data from the city of Detroit, Detroit Metro, and the Tech Sector at large
- Created visual displays of all data for easy sharing of information
- Link to report
- Ecosystem Feedback
- Interviewed five peer incubators for best practices on data collection and entrepreneur recruitment
- Collected tips and made recommendations using key insights from peer incubators
- Link to report
- Client Interviews
- Derived feedback for the DTX LAUNCH program from all 12 teams regarding both programming and their experience regarding inclusion
- Interviewed key clients and experts regarding their perspectives on TechTown's efforts to be welcoming and accessible
- Summarized all 23 interviews for easy interpretation by TechTown staff
- Link to report
- Detroit Arts and Business Institute
- Completed market research in four targeted counties for a new business platform, Embrace Creatives
- Complied data from Simply Analytics and Mel.org in a graphic display
- Care PRN
- Created visual animation of the Care PRN method to be used as social media advertising
- Filmed, produced, and edited informative and engaging video explaining the creation of Care PRN with its CEO and founder, Jason Wolfe-Greer
- Consulted team on key social media and marketing techniques
- Provided small clips to be shared via social media and website
- Compiled list of local press contacts for future press briefings
Our Data Collection Plan, including visual process maps. Other reports can be accessed at the links above.
| Care PRN Animation |
| Final Presentation and Summary |
The above files include our animation video for Care PRN and a PDF of our final report, with more in-depth information.
Street Democracy
Students: Aaron DePass & Carly Wade
Description of Street Democracy:
Street Democracy was started to bring legal services to the homeless wherever they are. Legal issues are not the only bars jailing our clients. Unless we address the underlying causes of their poverty, we are merely performing legal triage. We advocate for systemic reforms such as rehabilitative sentencing. In lieu of the homeless paying hundreds of dollars in fines, making their living situation worse, they sign up for counseling, enroll in job training, and regularly volunteer in their community. This alternative will allow clients to better themselves and be a positive impact to the people around them. Within 6 months of graduation from the program, 97 percent of graduates had stable housing, 91 percent had stable income, 90 percent had no contact with the criminal justice system, and 100 percent had no new misdemeanor or felony charges.
Our two main tasks at Street Democracy were to...
This consisted of...
Project: Past Client Interviews
We got in contact with the graduates of the Street Court program so that we could interview them on their experiences in the program, their status after exiting the program, and any feedback on how to improve the program in the future. Questions were divided into three sections in where they would describe many aspects of their life during and after the program, as well as what they thought of the program in general. In the process we heard and were able to share some amazing and life transformative stories.
Project: Policy and Pie Event
Attendees heard about Street Democracy’s current projects and policy proposals, as well as local and federal policies under consideration regarding homelessness and poverty. In addition, people shared their thoughts on issues they wanted us to address in the future. And yes, we really did have pie.
We got to expand our skills to planning and executing an event. We sent out press releases, worked on various forms of social media, and learned how to do graphic design for flyers and posts.
Below are some of the documents we created in planning the event...
Students: Aaron DePass & Carly Wade
Description of Street Democracy:
Street Democracy was started to bring legal services to the homeless wherever they are. Legal issues are not the only bars jailing our clients. Unless we address the underlying causes of their poverty, we are merely performing legal triage. We advocate for systemic reforms such as rehabilitative sentencing. In lieu of the homeless paying hundreds of dollars in fines, making their living situation worse, they sign up for counseling, enroll in job training, and regularly volunteer in their community. This alternative will allow clients to better themselves and be a positive impact to the people around them. Within 6 months of graduation from the program, 97 percent of graduates had stable housing, 91 percent had stable income, 90 percent had no contact with the criminal justice system, and 100 percent had no new misdemeanor or felony charges.
Our two main tasks at Street Democracy were to...
- Create a video campaign of past clients in order to help resume the Street Outreach Court Detroit (SOCD).
- Create the company's inaugural Policy and Pie event where the public can comment on current policy and legislation.
This consisted of...
- Making 250 calls to previous clients.
- Conducting face-to-face and phone interviews.
- Creating 30 sec - 1 min promotional videos.
- Creating a 5-10 minute promotional video.
- Planning and executing our Policy and Pie event.
- Creating an exit memo for future employees.
Project: Past Client Interviews
We got in contact with the graduates of the Street Court program so that we could interview them on their experiences in the program, their status after exiting the program, and any feedback on how to improve the program in the future. Questions were divided into three sections in where they would describe many aspects of their life during and after the program, as well as what they thought of the program in general. In the process we heard and were able to share some amazing and life transformative stories.
Project: Policy and Pie Event
Attendees heard about Street Democracy’s current projects and policy proposals, as well as local and federal policies under consideration regarding homelessness and poverty. In addition, people shared their thoughts on issues they wanted us to address in the future. And yes, we really did have pie.
We got to expand our skills to planning and executing an event. We sent out press releases, worked on various forms of social media, and learned how to do graphic design for flyers and posts.
Below are some of the documents we created in planning the event...
| policy_and_pie_press_release.docx |
| policy_and_pie_post_card.pptx |
| policy_and_pie_facebook_posts.pptx |
For more detail please see our final presentation:
Here is a quote from one of our past clients — Luther. His story was one of many inspiring stories we encountered this summer. In his interview he described like this...
"Street democracy is the GPS for anyone who needs a little direction in their life"
BUILD INSTITUTE
Students: Lúcia Mees & Marc Albertsen
Build Institute is an entrepreneurship hub and small business incubator located in Corktown, Detroit, and asked DukeEngage interns to evaluate its impact in the greater Detroit area and recommend next steps. Our original project proposal was designing and coordinating the 2017 Annual Alumni Survey, and producing an Impact Report with the information gathered and analysis company reports. Build also wanted us to work with the Detroit-based metric collection, mapping and analysis organization Collective Metrics in their initial efforts in testing their product in "the field", which was our Alumni Survey. As we worked on these main two projects, however, we also noticed how we could contribute to other areas and needs of the organization, in order to help Build as much as we could.
2017 Impact Report
With the goal of giving an overview of the Detroit entrepreneurial ecosystem and contextualize Build Institute’s role within this business climate, along with providing some recommendations for next steps for the organization, we worked on hollistically evaluating Build Institute's impact in Detroit.
• Researched and analyzed the 2015 and 2016 Annual Reports and Alumni Surveys, along with the brand-new 5-year report;
• Collected and analyzed data from the 2017 Alumni Survey;
• Determined standard calculation methodologies for Build's annual surveys;
• Researched all 1086 graduates to determine whether or not they were still operational, with a 3-step verification system;
• Worked with the Kauffman Foundation in researching the Detroit entrepreneurial ecosystem, and how Build fits into it;
• Determined number of people directly and indirectly affected by Build Institute's efforts;
• Calculated number of jobs generated and economic output through wages, by industry and indirectly by Build as a whole;
• Traced the profile of a typical Build graduate business, including its profit, revenue, profit margin, number of employees, number of clients, wages and industry area;
• Traced the profile of a typical Build graduate, including age, gender, income, education, relationship status, and courses taken at Build;
• Evaluated Build's diversity efforts;
• Determined and evaluated key areas for improvement in Build's services;
• Planned and designed infographics to demonstrate the data collected;
• Worked on the editorial and design aspect of the report, to ensure it meets Build's standards for publication;
• Contextualized the work of Build Institute in a national level by researching and gathering intel on other organizations that have similar activities;
• Provided recommendations based on alumni feedback from the survey.
2017 Annual Alumni Survey
In order to collect the information needed for the Impact Report, we elaborated the 2017 version of the Annual Alumni Survey and coordinated all aspects of its testing and delivery.
• Researched other Impact Reports from national organizations to come up with new metrics, presentation guidelines and industry standards;
• Analyzed past surveys to determine efficient practices;
• Worked with Collective Metrics to test their system and deliver our survey;
• Coordinated marketing efforts through emails, social media posts, and private communications.
Marketing Case Study
As we realized the need among Build graduates for more marketing resources and assistance, from the alumni surveys, we worked on providing Build with an action plan to address the issue.
• Analyze current situation through data collected through the alumni surveys;
• Determine key areas for improvement and possible macro-level strategies;
• Analyze potential new partnerships with other regional organizations and educational institutions in the US;
• Examine and recommend potential new services;
• Propose a basic Marketing Master Class curriculum and means of delivery.
• Elaborate a cost analysis report and expected results;
• Calculate demand for the course in 2018;
• Determine revenue, variable and fixed costs, profit and profit margins (cost analysis).
Alumni Zip Code Density Map
• Updated and analyzed information on alumni zip codes;
• Elaborated a density map with key areas where Build could focus its efforts.
Events and Office Organization
• Assisted with staffing the Downtown Detroit Partnership Summer Stakeholder Meeting;
• Prepared class and marketing materials;
• Helped with staffing for the monthly Open City, an entrepreneurship forum promoted by Build;
• Coordinated Build's stand at the Concert of Colors.
Students: Lúcia Mees & Marc Albertsen
Build Institute is an entrepreneurship hub and small business incubator located in Corktown, Detroit, and asked DukeEngage interns to evaluate its impact in the greater Detroit area and recommend next steps. Our original project proposal was designing and coordinating the 2017 Annual Alumni Survey, and producing an Impact Report with the information gathered and analysis company reports. Build also wanted us to work with the Detroit-based metric collection, mapping and analysis organization Collective Metrics in their initial efforts in testing their product in "the field", which was our Alumni Survey. As we worked on these main two projects, however, we also noticed how we could contribute to other areas and needs of the organization, in order to help Build as much as we could.
2017 Impact Report
With the goal of giving an overview of the Detroit entrepreneurial ecosystem and contextualize Build Institute’s role within this business climate, along with providing some recommendations for next steps for the organization, we worked on hollistically evaluating Build Institute's impact in Detroit.
• Researched and analyzed the 2015 and 2016 Annual Reports and Alumni Surveys, along with the brand-new 5-year report;
• Collected and analyzed data from the 2017 Alumni Survey;
• Determined standard calculation methodologies for Build's annual surveys;
• Researched all 1086 graduates to determine whether or not they were still operational, with a 3-step verification system;
• Worked with the Kauffman Foundation in researching the Detroit entrepreneurial ecosystem, and how Build fits into it;
• Determined number of people directly and indirectly affected by Build Institute's efforts;
• Calculated number of jobs generated and economic output through wages, by industry and indirectly by Build as a whole;
• Traced the profile of a typical Build graduate business, including its profit, revenue, profit margin, number of employees, number of clients, wages and industry area;
• Traced the profile of a typical Build graduate, including age, gender, income, education, relationship status, and courses taken at Build;
• Evaluated Build's diversity efforts;
• Determined and evaluated key areas for improvement in Build's services;
• Planned and designed infographics to demonstrate the data collected;
• Worked on the editorial and design aspect of the report, to ensure it meets Build's standards for publication;
• Contextualized the work of Build Institute in a national level by researching and gathering intel on other organizations that have similar activities;
• Provided recommendations based on alumni feedback from the survey.
2017 Annual Alumni Survey
In order to collect the information needed for the Impact Report, we elaborated the 2017 version of the Annual Alumni Survey and coordinated all aspects of its testing and delivery.
• Researched other Impact Reports from national organizations to come up with new metrics, presentation guidelines and industry standards;
• Analyzed past surveys to determine efficient practices;
• Worked with Collective Metrics to test their system and deliver our survey;
• Coordinated marketing efforts through emails, social media posts, and private communications.
Marketing Case Study
As we realized the need among Build graduates for more marketing resources and assistance, from the alumni surveys, we worked on providing Build with an action plan to address the issue.
• Analyze current situation through data collected through the alumni surveys;
• Determine key areas for improvement and possible macro-level strategies;
• Analyze potential new partnerships with other regional organizations and educational institutions in the US;
• Examine and recommend potential new services;
• Propose a basic Marketing Master Class curriculum and means of delivery.
• Elaborate a cost analysis report and expected results;
• Calculate demand for the course in 2018;
• Determine revenue, variable and fixed costs, profit and profit margins (cost analysis).
Alumni Zip Code Density Map
• Updated and analyzed information on alumni zip codes;
• Elaborated a density map with key areas where Build could focus its efforts.
Events and Office Organization
• Assisted with staffing the Downtown Detroit Partnership Summer Stakeholder Meeting;
• Prepared class and marketing materials;
• Helped with staffing for the monthly Open City, an entrepreneurship forum promoted by Build;
• Coordinated Build's stand at the Concert of Colors.
| 2017 Impact Report |
| Marketing Case Study |
| Build Institute - Final Presentation |
DETROIT FUTURE CITY
Students: Lin Zuo & Vik Seethepalli
Detroit Future City is a non profit organization which aims to implement the Strategic Framework, a detailed plan devised by stakeholders of the city for the city’s future. It includes topics areas such as economic growth, land use, city systems, neighborhoods, land and building assets. During our seven weeks at DFC, we had the opportunity to work and contribute to several areas of the organization including the 139 square miles report, fund development, the Field Guide, and social media analytics.
139 Square Miles
Collaborated on data collection, data visualization and the publication of 139 Square
Miles, an 80-page statistical report of Detroit, to explore the city’s progress and ongoing challenges.
Fund Development
Recommendations for new online donation portal
Developed and presented key strategies regarding online donation platform, donor pitch, and donor acquisition, which were adopted by Executive Director and PR team to launch DFC’s new online donation portal.
Compiled information of 20+ potential funders to strategize a new fund development plan.
Collected data on the neighborhood using GIS maps and created presentation to apply for a grant for a child-centered community planning project.
Field Guide
Recommendations for the new Maintenance Fund
Conducted research on the costs of maintaining community gardens and wrote 15 page report of findings and recommendations to initiate new Maintenance Fund.
Social Media Analytics Report
Recommendations for new metrics and better contents
Analyzed social media performance, gave recommendations for social media report metrics and content in order to improve DFC’s social media presence.
Students: Lin Zuo & Vik Seethepalli
Detroit Future City is a non profit organization which aims to implement the Strategic Framework, a detailed plan devised by stakeholders of the city for the city’s future. It includes topics areas such as economic growth, land use, city systems, neighborhoods, land and building assets. During our seven weeks at DFC, we had the opportunity to work and contribute to several areas of the organization including the 139 square miles report, fund development, the Field Guide, and social media analytics.
139 Square Miles
Collaborated on data collection, data visualization and the publication of 139 Square
Miles, an 80-page statistical report of Detroit, to explore the city’s progress and ongoing challenges.
- Researched data including:
- Population, Race, Age, Educational attainment, Health, Poverty, Housing type, …
- Two rounds of data and writing check
Fund Development
Recommendations for new online donation portal
Developed and presented key strategies regarding online donation platform, donor pitch, and donor acquisition, which were adopted by Executive Director and PR team to launch DFC’s new online donation portal.
- Compared all peer nonprofit donation platforms and recommended PayPal to DFC.
- Suggested addition of historical background of blight and vacancy to the donor pitch.
- Recommended creating LinkedIn page as a new donation channel.
Compiled information of 20+ potential funders to strategize a new fund development plan.
- Conducted research about 20+ potential funders including foundations, corporate and government funders.
- Compiled information such as funding focus areas, giving cycle and average donation size.
Collected data on the neighborhood using GIS maps and created presentation to apply for a grant for a child-centered community planning project.
- Used Policy Map and Loveland maps to find income, health, and other statistics for two census tracts in the neighborhood.
- Gathered information about the Thurgood Marshall school, such as demographics and school programs.
Field Guide
Recommendations for the new Maintenance Fund
Conducted research on the costs of maintaining community gardens and wrote 15 page report of findings and recommendations to initiate new Maintenance Fund.
- Called eight past-year Mini Grant grantees and interviewed them about their maintenance process and relevant costs.
- Conducted research on costs of different maintenance items, including water system, garden tools, and landscaping supplies.
- Identified potential resources and platforms that can enhance Maintenance Fund.
Social Media Analytics Report
Recommendations for new metrics and better contents
Analyzed social media performance, gave recommendations for social media report metrics and content in order to improve DFC’s social media presence.
- Broke down social media activity into four categories: Output, Reach, Engagement, and Conversion to the goal.
- Recommended new metrics for social media, E-communications, and media report.
- Recommended methods to improve media content.
| final_presentation.pdf |
MOGO- DETROIT BIKE SHARE
Students: Pauline Grieb & Thomas Wang
Our main project at MoGo was an evaluation plan to be used as a framework for an annual report at the end of 2017. Putting together this plan entailed identifying the key areas for which it would be important to assess MoGo, such as user demographics, community outreach or integration into the existing public transit landscape. In choosing them, we kept in mind the emphasis of MoGo on being a pioneer of accessibility and inclusivity (through the $5 annual Access Pass, the cash payment option or even the future Adaptive bikes pilot program). Once we had selected these focus areas, we came up with evaluation questions and specific qualitative and quantitative metrics, which could be used to answer them. As we delved into each section more deeply, we realized that there were many more elements that would fit into our larger plan.
More Elements of the Evaluation Plan
Since MoGo launched May 23rd, we planned out the majority of data gathering for a later date, but we rapidly identified work that we could already begin. We began constructing a variety of surveys. Not only an annual survey to gather thorough data about MoGo users, but also a survey to send out to local businesses, a survey to evaluate the experience of MoGo ambassadors (program of MoGo advocates in the 10 neighborhoods of the service area) and even two intercept surveys to gather real time data from people walking past MoGo stations and people checking in/out bikes. This led us to elaborate a framework for recruiting volunteers to continue intercept surveying once we left. We also realized that for the Integration into Public Transit section, the data analysis of proximity of MoGo stations to other public transit stops (bus, Qline, People Mover…) could be done during our time here. In addition, we also thought about how the data gathered could then be visualized. We did some research into how to use Tableau (a data visualization software) and showed what we learned to Rory Lincoln (MoGo Program and Access Manager).
Helping out with MoGo outreach
As projected, the evaluation plan did not take up all of our time at MoGo and we assisted Rory with a variety of community outreach projects and events.
Additional Projects
We also got involved in a variety of different projects, including a MoGo/DXF tour, a MUFI info session, and developing a series of featured rides to post on their website.
DXF/MoGo tour,
MUFI info session
Featured routes brainstorm
pauline_grieb_thomas_wang_mogo_final_presentation_.pptx
Students: Pauline Grieb & Thomas Wang
Our main project at MoGo was an evaluation plan to be used as a framework for an annual report at the end of 2017. Putting together this plan entailed identifying the key areas for which it would be important to assess MoGo, such as user demographics, community outreach or integration into the existing public transit landscape. In choosing them, we kept in mind the emphasis of MoGo on being a pioneer of accessibility and inclusivity (through the $5 annual Access Pass, the cash payment option or even the future Adaptive bikes pilot program). Once we had selected these focus areas, we came up with evaluation questions and specific qualitative and quantitative metrics, which could be used to answer them. As we delved into each section more deeply, we realized that there were many more elements that would fit into our larger plan.
- Constructed an evaluation plan to inform the process of creating an annual report at the end of 2017
More Elements of the Evaluation Plan
Since MoGo launched May 23rd, we planned out the majority of data gathering for a later date, but we rapidly identified work that we could already begin. We began constructing a variety of surveys. Not only an annual survey to gather thorough data about MoGo users, but also a survey to send out to local businesses, a survey to evaluate the experience of MoGo ambassadors (program of MoGo advocates in the 10 neighborhoods of the service area) and even two intercept surveys to gather real time data from people walking past MoGo stations and people checking in/out bikes. This led us to elaborate a framework for recruiting volunteers to continue intercept surveying once we left. We also realized that for the Integration into Public Transit section, the data analysis of proximity of MoGo stations to other public transit stops (bus, Qline, People Mover…) could be done during our time here. In addition, we also thought about how the data gathered could then be visualized. We did some research into how to use Tableau (a data visualization software) and showed what we learned to Rory Lincoln (MoGo Program and Access Manager).
- Created and revised different surveys (Annual to be sent out to all registered MoGo users, perception survey to be sent out to biking advocacy groups, two intercept surveys…)
- Conducted intercept surveys to get feedback from people passing by stations and people using MoGo
- Worked on a framework for recruiting volunteers to conduct intercept surveys in the future
- Researched ways to visualize data with Tableau and provided a brief overview of how to use our work to Rory Lincoln (MoGo Program and Access Manager)
Helping out with MoGo outreach
As projected, the evaluation plan did not take up all of our time at MoGo and we assisted Rory with a variety of community outreach projects and events.
- Helped Rory advertise an Ambassador-led outreach event in Clark Park (in South West), through door-to-door flyering and giving out information cards.
- Assisted Rory in the planning of a community feedback session on MoGo’s future adaptive bike pilot program
- Assisted Rory and Adriel Thornton (MoGo Marketing and Community Outreach Manager) in the preparation and logistics of the Mighty MoGo Rider Challenge (a month-long competition with the goal of maximizing the number of trips taken per member)
Additional Projects
We also got involved in a variety of different projects, including a MoGo/DXF tour, a MUFI info session, and developing a series of featured rides to post on their website.
DXF/MoGo tour,
- Brainstormed ideas for possible destinations for a DXF MoGo tour
- Cleared up logistical issues for a DXF MoGo tour
- Determined that a tour between Corktown and Downtown would be best
MUFI info session
- Coordinated a MoGo info session at the MUFI (Michigan Urban Farming Initiative) farm in the North End
Featured routes brainstorm
- Selected featured bike routes in Detroit to highlight on MoGo website
pauline_grieb_thomas_wang_mogo_final_presentation_.pptx
DETROIT EXPERIENCE FACTORY (DXF)
Students: Astha Puri & Vinit Parekh
Students: Astha Puri and Vinit Parekh
Detroit Experience Factory(DXF) is a grassroots non-profit that uses interactive experiences and innovative resources to help newcomers and locals alike get more connected to the people, places, and projects in Detroit. We were tasked to develop an Economic Impact Report using information and data we researched or collected ourselves. Along with the Impact Report, we worked on many mini projects and developed our own side projects that would benefit the operations of the organization.
2016 DXF Economic Impact Report
Detroit Experience Factory has been committed to giving context to the narratives in Detroit and its community for over 10 years. Conducting an economic impact report adds a new dimension to DXF’s mission of storytelling by showing the quantitative and monetary impact on Detroit’s economy that comes along with the tours and the Welcome Center. This new perspective helps substantiate the benefits provided to the community and business partners, which could attract an untapped audience to join or support DXF.
Zapier Automation and Google Survey Enhancement
Community Partnerships
Students: Astha Puri & Vinit Parekh
Students: Astha Puri and Vinit Parekh
Detroit Experience Factory(DXF) is a grassroots non-profit that uses interactive experiences and innovative resources to help newcomers and locals alike get more connected to the people, places, and projects in Detroit. We were tasked to develop an Economic Impact Report using information and data we researched or collected ourselves. Along with the Impact Report, we worked on many mini projects and developed our own side projects that would benefit the operations of the organization.
2016 DXF Economic Impact Report
Detroit Experience Factory has been committed to giving context to the narratives in Detroit and its community for over 10 years. Conducting an economic impact report adds a new dimension to DXF’s mission of storytelling by showing the quantitative and monetary impact on Detroit’s economy that comes along with the tours and the Welcome Center. This new perspective helps substantiate the benefits provided to the community and business partners, which could attract an untapped audience to join or support DXF.
- Looked at DXF's business model (revenues, expenses, profits)
- Analyzed DXF’s kinds of direct spending to eventually calculate the subsequent indirect spending
- Researched the optimal spending multiplier using Bureau of Economic Analysis’s Regional Input-Output Modelling system to identify the overall magnitude of indirect spending.
- Determined metrics to calculate the economic impact of public/private tours
- Used metrics from Cobo Expansion Report and 1998 Michigan Welcome Center Survey to determine the economic impact of the Welcome Center.
- Researched the breakdown of the kind of public/private tours most taken
- Interviewed community partners (Good Cakes and Bakes, Duck, Angelina's Bistro, etc.) to determine tours impact on their operations and sales
- Calculated customers On-Tour spending as a form of direct spending
- Surveyed people who took a public tour in the timeframe of the previous 1 to 3 months (March 2017- May 2017).
- Scheduled internal meeting with Tour Guides, Shepherds, and Ambassadors to further validate the various data driven assumptions
- Determined seasonal effect on the amount, kinds, and frequency of visitors to the Welcome Center.
- Analyzed the different spending patterns of the different categories of visitors to the Welcome Center and tours.
- Determined the Economic Impact of the DXF Challenge
- Discovered the improvement of visitors and locals on job perception after taking a tour
Zapier Automation and Google Survey Enhancement
- Researched different platforms to automate Eventbrite to send out follow-up surveys to tours
- Automated Zapier with Eventbrite to send out follow-up emails to customers once they finished a public/private tour
- New survey system is on track to increase responses by 600% next year
- Modified public tour feedback survey with questions regarding customer’s inclination on returning to the location after introduced to them to track economic impact
- Enhanced visibility and engagement with locations introduced on the tour by designing end cards specific to the tour.
Community Partnerships
- Planned the logistical operations of developing a MOGO (city bike sharing program) and DXF summer tour
- Modified previous and mapped out new routes that can be implemented on current and future tours
- Developed new interactions between small businesses and DXF either to incorporate as stops in tours or to partner with for future events.
- Organized city locational data into easy to read categories for a city app.
PROSPERUS- A PROGRAM OF SOUTHWEST SOLUTIONS
Students: Ali Frank & Prath Patel
Students: Ali Frank & Prath Patel
2016 projects
Detroit Food Academy( Small Batch)
Students: Caroline Lai & Henry Bell
Original Project Proposal: Detroit Food Academy asked DukeEngage students to help them promote their for-profit session, Small Batch including marketing, inventory system building and office organizations. Small Batch also owns the student-driven granola bar Mitten Bites. DFA also wanted DukeEngage students to help promote the newly launched bar in Detroit area by marketing on social media, increasing exposure in farmers' market.
Marketing Campaign:
We worked a lot on promoting the brand of Mitten Bites. We managed two accounts of DFA ( Facebook and Instagram) and went to kitchen and markets to take pictures as marketing materials. We also conducted interview videos to promote leadership in DFA.
•Increase communication between product and customer
•Post daily marketing updates
•Eastern Market, Whole Food, Wayne State Market, etc.
•Promote Detroit Local Food scene
•Support Small Batch partners
•Banza, Slow Jams, Marcia’s, Maria
Summer Curriculum:
To help our student employees better build up their life, we started to format a summer curriculum to make sure they can get more help in each week's meeting.
•Kitchen101(Serve Safe/Demo Guide/Production)
•Business(Entrepreneurship/Marketing /Finance/Operation/Sales)
•Food Justice(Nutrition/Food Justice/Health)
•Personal Development (Organization/Responsibility/Career Path)
•Life Guide(Personal Finance/Driving/Tax)
Business Strategy Development:
•Redesign Demo Sheet
•Organize Office System
•Consumer Feedback Survey
•Market Analysis
Office Organization:
•Different Flavors
•Ingoing & Outgoing
•Demo Boxes
•Raw Demo Stuff
•Ready To Go
Market Analysis:
•Research of competitors( B bites/Pure Organic/Mitten Munch)
•Calculated market share of each
•Mitten Bites’ competitive advantage
•Strength of competition
Duke X Mitten Bites Campaign:
We launched our Duke X Mitten Bites Campaign to extend our summer experience into more long term cooperation
•Promotion of Duke I&E within Duke community
•Promotion of Duke Engage Detroit within Duke community
•Strengthening Duke’s image in Civic Engagement
•Demonstrating the value of Social Innovation in a tangible product
•Connect Development History of Durham with Detroit
•Help to solve Youth Unemployment problem and empower local youth
Project: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B75GpCg2a50cZWFlQnZHdWNMOEUs
Students: Caroline Lai & Henry Bell
Original Project Proposal: Detroit Food Academy asked DukeEngage students to help them promote their for-profit session, Small Batch including marketing, inventory system building and office organizations. Small Batch also owns the student-driven granola bar Mitten Bites. DFA also wanted DukeEngage students to help promote the newly launched bar in Detroit area by marketing on social media, increasing exposure in farmers' market.
Marketing Campaign:
We worked a lot on promoting the brand of Mitten Bites. We managed two accounts of DFA ( Facebook and Instagram) and went to kitchen and markets to take pictures as marketing materials. We also conducted interview videos to promote leadership in DFA.
•Increase communication between product and customer
•Post daily marketing updates
•Eastern Market, Whole Food, Wayne State Market, etc.
•Promote Detroit Local Food scene
•Support Small Batch partners
•Banza, Slow Jams, Marcia’s, Maria
Summer Curriculum:
To help our student employees better build up their life, we started to format a summer curriculum to make sure they can get more help in each week's meeting.
•Kitchen101(Serve Safe/Demo Guide/Production)
•Business(Entrepreneurship/Marketing /Finance/Operation/Sales)
•Food Justice(Nutrition/Food Justice/Health)
•Personal Development (Organization/Responsibility/Career Path)
•Life Guide(Personal Finance/Driving/Tax)
Business Strategy Development:
•Redesign Demo Sheet
•Organize Office System
•Consumer Feedback Survey
•Market Analysis
Office Organization:
•Different Flavors
•Ingoing & Outgoing
•Demo Boxes
•Raw Demo Stuff
•Ready To Go
Market Analysis:
•Research of competitors( B bites/Pure Organic/Mitten Munch)
•Calculated market share of each
•Mitten Bites’ competitive advantage
•Strength of competition
Duke X Mitten Bites Campaign:
We launched our Duke X Mitten Bites Campaign to extend our summer experience into more long term cooperation
•Promotion of Duke I&E within Duke community
•Promotion of Duke Engage Detroit within Duke community
•Strengthening Duke’s image in Civic Engagement
•Demonstrating the value of Social Innovation in a tangible product
•Connect Development History of Durham with Detroit
•Help to solve Youth Unemployment problem and empower local youth
Project: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B75GpCg2a50cZWFlQnZHdWNMOEUs
Corktown Economic Development Corporation (CEDC)
Students: Ashka Stephen and Joe Squillace
We worked with Shamil Khedgikar, a graduate intern from Cornell University, to draft eight boards outlining various statistics, assets, and development goals for six key areas in Corktown. The information on these boards will be included in the final Place Plan that will be created and submitted.Brainstormed various zoning and delineation strategies for the Corktown area. Researched relevant statistics to include in the reports, such as general demographic information, education levels, income levels, etc.
•Created visuals to best display statistics and convey the relevant message to the audience
•Presented boards at community meetings
•Gathered residents’ feedback on what they would like to see in the development plans
•Learned the basics of various softwares such as Google’s Sketchup (used to create 3D maps for the final Place Plan), Photoshop (used to create visuals of each area) and Illustrator
Storytelling:
We worked on social platforms to further connect CEDC to the Corktown community.
•Posted blogs on topics relevant to the community such as community engagement and the bikeability of Corktown
•Increased the social media activity of the corporation (primarily Instagram) and collected visuals for future updates
•Added the business and organizational features onto the CEDC website
Outdoor Living Room:
This project was developed to create a temporary parklet for Corktown residents/visitors to relax in. However, halfway through, this project was discontinued due to similar projects being proposed (and selected) for participation in the People First project.
•Drafted a project proposal outlining possible business sponsors, locations/dates/times, parklet features and programming events.
Click here for slides of final presentation
Build Institute
Students: Keiley Gaston & Benjamin Yang
Our project for the summer was to conduct an economic impact report for Build Institute to examine its effects on the Detroit community over the last 5 years.
Our analysis was broken down into a few major components:
Direct Economic Effects:
•Researched all 773 graduates to determine the number of current operational businesses
•Determined average number of jobs, average wages, and average profit created per business
•Calculated return on investment to show economic output for a Build graduate and the Detroit economy
•Identified Build’s revenue streams and growth in grant revenue
Value Proposition:
•Outlined the intangible aspects of enrolling in a Build course in order to demonstrate the total value entrepreneurs receive from taking a class and joining the alumni network
Detroit Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:
•Analyzed the essential aspects of an entrepreneurial ecosystem and placed Build within the context of Detroit’s network
•Compared Build’s efficiency in serving entrepreneurs to similar training programs, such as TechTown, ProsperUS, and Ann Arbor Spark.
Success Stories:
•Interviewed Ojas Akolkar and Lana Rodriguez, two successful Build graduates
•Created infographics to show their paths through the Detroit business ecosystem
Comparative Metrics:
•Analyzed data regarding Build graduates’ demographics, industry of business, and wages based on 2016 Alumni Survey
•Compared these metrics to those of Detroit’s small business in order to demonstrate that Build not only seeks to provide equitable ntrepreneurship, but also helps diversify the Detroit economy
Here is our final presentation: build_institute_presentation.gslides
TechTown Detroit
Students: Raymond Zhuang and Mabel Zhang
We were tasked with understanding DTX's economic impact since its inception in 2013. Through data collection and written/graphical analysis we came up with many quantitative metrics to evaluate economic impact, including launch rate, jobs created/retained, and revenues generated. We also sought to understand qualitative measures of DTX's success and gathered 9 interviews/testimonials showcasing various ways the program has impacted them.
We also sought to improve the program's marketing strategy; we conducted a case study and developed several high-level strategies and tactics. We created a directory of 120+ women's, minority, and entrepreneurship organizations at 24 Michigan universities and a timeline of career events.
DTX Launch Detroit Case Study Presentation: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8R6r623Ji74OXk3WTdqUnN2M2s
DTX Launch Detroit Impact Report: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8R6r623Ji74dENnQ2J1SnJvZXc
CityInsight, LLC.:
•We performed market research and competitive analysis for CityInsight's first product, CityWater, an app that allows users to track their real-time water usage, detect leaks, and pay their bills in-app. We researched and segmented the market and came up with key market statistics such as total annual household costs and annual growth in water costs. We also researched CityWater's major competitors to determine areas of improvement and areas of competitive advantage (future product features). We created official slides in their pitch deck and helped complete several grant applications.
TechTown Detroit:
•We gathered quantitative metrics of TechTown's impact since 2013, broke down its investments into private and public funding, and compared it to other incubators/accelerators in the region.
Final Presentation: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8R6r623Ji74anh1eEd3bTFoaHc
2015 projects
NEXT ENERGY
Students: Shelby Wailes and Chris Molhrop
We created live-updating graphs that monitored NextEnergy's progress on meeting its fiscal goal of spurring $25 million of investment in Michigan.
Case studies:
•We calculated savings and payback period for lighting upgrades done on NextEnergy's campus and then wrote and designed a project profile highlighting these savings.
•We created another project profile of a company's lighting demonstration on NextEnergy's campus.
Smart City:
•We did research into the theme of smart cities and presented our findings to NextEnergy.
Transportation:
•We worked on gathering data to assess Midtown's most pressing transportation problems.
TECH TOWN DETROIT
Students: Liza O'Connor & David Ling
We worked closely with the DTX Launch Detroit program, a 10-week summer accelerator for college students and recent graduates from the state of Michigan. Throughout the summer we worked on 5 main deliverables focused on improving marketing to recruit better talent and to better evaluate the program for the future.
Marketing Strategy:
•Researched Michigan universities and entrepreneurship clubs and created a list with contacts to market the program to
•Developed an application schedule to bring in more early applicants
Team Videos:
•Created 11 team profiles for each team in this summer's cohort for social media purposes
•Also created a longer, overarching marketing video about the program
Link to TechTown Video
Link to Team Profile of DineRoll
Engagement Strategy:
•Planned possible activities TechTown could do to engage with alumni throughout the year
•Created alumni networking groups on Linkedin and Facebook
Investor Document:
•Interviewed alumni of TechTown's program and created short blurbs about them to give to potential investors
Evaluation System:
•Researched other accelerators, reviewed original grant, and interviewed current and past participants to create evaluation questions to send to alumni biannually
DETROIT FUTURE CITY
Students: Divya Dhulipala and Ben Heuser
The main focus of the work we did this summer was to work with vacant lots in Detroit. This included helping to design a green calculator that would assess the value of a certain parcel of land and what the benefits would be. In order to do this to the best of our abilities, we had to do a vigorous amount of research on other comparable calculators to discover what features we like and what we didn't like. We then compiled this information to come up with a list of inputs that we wanted and what results we wanted to see. We then started to work on developing the equations that would be entered into the calculator to generate the results.
We also did an extensive amount of work to the benefit of the field guide, which is a online resource and a book that has a selection of 35 different lot designs people can use to improve their open space in Detroit. The work for this included writing local examples which involved interviewing different businesses throughout the city and sometime the region to add some personality to the lot types.
Green Calculator:
•Inputs
•Results
•Database of comparable calculators
Field Guide:
•Typed reports on local examples
Permitting:
•Spreadsheet of all possible resources so people can do work on their property legally.
BUILD INSTITUTE
Students: Liz Colavita and Ryan Hoecker
Our overall project was to conduct a feasibility study for Build Institute’s expansion into its own coworking space. Build Institute is an entrepreneur education and resource center in Detroit. As Build continues to educate entrepreneurs from all demographics in Detroit, its alumni base grows and it has increasingly more alumni looking to pursue their business idea. Build wants to provide its alumni and any other interested community members with a space to collaborate and grow their businesses. Our feasibility study included research and exploration into the following areas:
Coworking Market Research:
•Coworking environment in Detroit: Interviews with Green Garage, Grand Circus, St. Vincent’s, Bamboo Detroit, Ponyride, Junction 440
•Alumni focus group: Interviews with four Build alumni about what they are looking for in a coworking space
Best National Practices in Coworking:
•Interviews with The Skillery (TN), The Speak Easy (IN), The Center For Social Innovation (NY), Propeller (LA)
•Specific focus on funding models and how to create an engaged community
Other Incubator/Accelerator Programs:
•Including entrepreneurship curriculum comparison research
Funding Sources:
•Applicable grants, Corporate Sponsorships, Crowdfunding, Loans
•Fee for service opportunities/future sustainable revenue sources
Develop Business Plan for the Coworking Space:
•Including cash flow
DETROIT FOOD ACADEMY
Students: Angela Chen & Bryce McAteer
Developing new methods, medias, and styles through which to tell the story of the DFA, and furthering the organization on its journey to become a more self-sustaining entity through the sale of its student design product ("Mitten Bites") at local grocers, cafés, and farmers' markets.
Redesigning of the DFA Farmers' Market Stall:
•New “Mitten Bites” Vinyl Poster 3x6ft
•Two Tier Small Display for 2ct Packages
•Muffin Pans to adjust presentation of samples
•Laminated Marketing Signage
General Branding and Marketing:
•Informational and Story-Telling Postcard
•Michigan-styled “Shelf Talker”
•Student Summer Program Labels (City Pop, Fairy Berry Poppin’ Tarts, Corktown Coco)
•3” Mitten Bites Circular Stickers, two flavors (Dark Choco-Peanut Butter, Cranberry Date)
Other Materials:
•Market Inventory Sheet
•Market FAQ Guide
Mentor Interviews:
•DFA Mentor Interview Films 10 Mentors (Brooklyn St. Local, Corridor Sausage, Central Detroit Christian, Dr. Sushi, Ethel’s Edibles, •Friends of Detroit Potato Chips, Rose’s Fine Food, Shã La Cynts, Sister Pie, Slow Jams)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rId6TOmiEok&list=PL9TqbtbuCgCWWFmLVnHfWx4_nQIusAjBH
DFA Mentor Interactive Map of Detroit Foodscape:
Link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zpK0RSp-X6NE.kJbRQn42HyfI&usp=sharing
Can be edited to include other layers (e.g. Market Locations, Store Locations, Schools, etc.)
Students: Shelby Wailes and Chris Molhrop
We created live-updating graphs that monitored NextEnergy's progress on meeting its fiscal goal of spurring $25 million of investment in Michigan.
Case studies:
•We calculated savings and payback period for lighting upgrades done on NextEnergy's campus and then wrote and designed a project profile highlighting these savings.
•We created another project profile of a company's lighting demonstration on NextEnergy's campus.
Smart City:
•We did research into the theme of smart cities and presented our findings to NextEnergy.
Transportation:
•We worked on gathering data to assess Midtown's most pressing transportation problems.
TECH TOWN DETROIT
Students: Liza O'Connor & David Ling
We worked closely with the DTX Launch Detroit program, a 10-week summer accelerator for college students and recent graduates from the state of Michigan. Throughout the summer we worked on 5 main deliverables focused on improving marketing to recruit better talent and to better evaluate the program for the future.
Marketing Strategy:
•Researched Michigan universities and entrepreneurship clubs and created a list with contacts to market the program to
•Developed an application schedule to bring in more early applicants
Team Videos:
•Created 11 team profiles for each team in this summer's cohort for social media purposes
•Also created a longer, overarching marketing video about the program
Link to TechTown Video
Link to Team Profile of DineRoll
Engagement Strategy:
•Planned possible activities TechTown could do to engage with alumni throughout the year
•Created alumni networking groups on Linkedin and Facebook
Investor Document:
•Interviewed alumni of TechTown's program and created short blurbs about them to give to potential investors
Evaluation System:
•Researched other accelerators, reviewed original grant, and interviewed current and past participants to create evaluation questions to send to alumni biannually
DETROIT FUTURE CITY
Students: Divya Dhulipala and Ben Heuser
The main focus of the work we did this summer was to work with vacant lots in Detroit. This included helping to design a green calculator that would assess the value of a certain parcel of land and what the benefits would be. In order to do this to the best of our abilities, we had to do a vigorous amount of research on other comparable calculators to discover what features we like and what we didn't like. We then compiled this information to come up with a list of inputs that we wanted and what results we wanted to see. We then started to work on developing the equations that would be entered into the calculator to generate the results.
We also did an extensive amount of work to the benefit of the field guide, which is a online resource and a book that has a selection of 35 different lot designs people can use to improve their open space in Detroit. The work for this included writing local examples which involved interviewing different businesses throughout the city and sometime the region to add some personality to the lot types.
Green Calculator:
•Inputs
•Results
•Database of comparable calculators
Field Guide:
•Typed reports on local examples
Permitting:
•Spreadsheet of all possible resources so people can do work on their property legally.
BUILD INSTITUTE
Students: Liz Colavita and Ryan Hoecker
Our overall project was to conduct a feasibility study for Build Institute’s expansion into its own coworking space. Build Institute is an entrepreneur education and resource center in Detroit. As Build continues to educate entrepreneurs from all demographics in Detroit, its alumni base grows and it has increasingly more alumni looking to pursue their business idea. Build wants to provide its alumni and any other interested community members with a space to collaborate and grow their businesses. Our feasibility study included research and exploration into the following areas:
Coworking Market Research:
•Coworking environment in Detroit: Interviews with Green Garage, Grand Circus, St. Vincent’s, Bamboo Detroit, Ponyride, Junction 440
•Alumni focus group: Interviews with four Build alumni about what they are looking for in a coworking space
Best National Practices in Coworking:
•Interviews with The Skillery (TN), The Speak Easy (IN), The Center For Social Innovation (NY), Propeller (LA)
•Specific focus on funding models and how to create an engaged community
Other Incubator/Accelerator Programs:
•Including entrepreneurship curriculum comparison research
Funding Sources:
•Applicable grants, Corporate Sponsorships, Crowdfunding, Loans
•Fee for service opportunities/future sustainable revenue sources
Develop Business Plan for the Coworking Space:
•Including cash flow
DETROIT FOOD ACADEMY
Students: Angela Chen & Bryce McAteer
Developing new methods, medias, and styles through which to tell the story of the DFA, and furthering the organization on its journey to become a more self-sustaining entity through the sale of its student design product ("Mitten Bites") at local grocers, cafés, and farmers' markets.
Redesigning of the DFA Farmers' Market Stall:
•New “Mitten Bites” Vinyl Poster 3x6ft
•Two Tier Small Display for 2ct Packages
•Muffin Pans to adjust presentation of samples
•Laminated Marketing Signage
General Branding and Marketing:
•Informational and Story-Telling Postcard
•Michigan-styled “Shelf Talker”
•Student Summer Program Labels (City Pop, Fairy Berry Poppin’ Tarts, Corktown Coco)
•3” Mitten Bites Circular Stickers, two flavors (Dark Choco-Peanut Butter, Cranberry Date)
Other Materials:
•Market Inventory Sheet
•Market FAQ Guide
Mentor Interviews:
•DFA Mentor Interview Films 10 Mentors (Brooklyn St. Local, Corridor Sausage, Central Detroit Christian, Dr. Sushi, Ethel’s Edibles, •Friends of Detroit Potato Chips, Rose’s Fine Food, Shã La Cynts, Sister Pie, Slow Jams)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rId6TOmiEok&list=PL9TqbtbuCgCWWFmLVnHfWx4_nQIusAjBH
DFA Mentor Interactive Map of Detroit Foodscape:
Link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zpK0RSp-X6NE.kJbRQn42HyfI&usp=sharing
Can be edited to include other layers (e.g. Market Locations, Store Locations, Schools, etc.)
2014 projects
TECHTOWN Real Estate Acquisition
Students: Ying Qi and Jimmy Zhang
Exploring how TechTown can accelerate business revitalization in Grandmont-Rosedale and Osborn neighborhoods through commercial real estate acquisition.
•Completed Introduction, Methodology, and Neighborhood Profiles for a final recommendation
•Quantitatively analyzed LocalData results, including analyses of business types, commercial properties conditions, etc. Created graphics to include in our supply-side analysis.
•Imported shapefile from LocalData into qGIS to analyze physical distribution of undesirable businesses and desirable businesses
•Integrated population density data and job density data (provided by Data Driven Detroit) into commercial property results
•Identified strategic areas for commercial development
•Created a road map for real estate acquisition
•Provided a comprehensive final recommendation
LithSafe at TECHTOWN
Student: Peter Shi
Developing Business Model Canvas and Investor Presentation as well as helping design the supply chain for LithSafe, one of Tech Town's clients. LithSafe provides products and training to suppress fires caused by lithium ion batteries. LithSafe also designs storage units to safely transport and store lithium ion batteries, mostly for hybrid cars. They are currently concentrated on working with motor companies before later expanding to other products such as boats, planes, trains, iPhones, and other electronics.
•Researched for better alternatives for materials and companies in LithSafe’s Value Chain
•Revised/refined said value chain
•Created Work-Flow Diagram
•Created visual display of cost-Benefit Analysis
•Came up with ideas for improving prototype design; and generating ideas before first prototype before the container is shown to major car companies such as Ford, Tesla, and Volkswagen.
•Road Mapping ideas
•Business Model Canvas
•Created Investor Presentation: Brianna Whitfield & Kiran Jones- DETROIT FOOD ACADEMY
Putting the systems into place to launch the Small Batch Brand for Detroit Food Academy which has the following goals:
•Offered employment to DFA graduates, provide financing for DFA programming, and spread awareness of DFA.
•Created new forms for kitchen and market to fill out-- to create clear communication within the organization
•Made Market Inventory checklists, Market Sales Data Sheets, Order Forms, and Kitchen Inventory Sheets more simple and more effective.
•Assisted DFA students with their business plans for their food ventures
•Finalized website
•Researched sales data and analyzing the literal market customer base
•Compared prices for packaging
•Sett up systems to have successful market runs, which include creating a market checklist, taking pictures of the set-up, keeping notes on best practices and areas for improvement
•Connected customers to DFA through sign ups at the Eastern MarketBilly Silk and Shahi Masireddy- D:Hive's BUILD Program
Presenting recommendations on how to improve the curriculum of D:Hive's BUILD Program to make it as effective as possible. D:
•Hive’s “BUILD” program, is an eight-week business and project planning class for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs.
•Curriculum analysis in comparison with two other options followed by a recommendation
•Analysis of Customer Relation Management software
•Updates to the Internal D:Hive BUILD Google drive
•Memo on Detroit's funding landscape for low-moderate income entrepreneurs
•Curated content for BUILD class website
TECHTOWN
Student: Ta'Chelle Morris
Attracting vendors and creating publicity and attendance for the Fenkel Street Market-- ensuring that it is not just a block party, but attracts entrepreneurs and supports the idea of creating start-up business in that area, which would then bring more foot traffic to the Brightmoor community.
•Assisted in bringing vendors and the public to the Market
•Created mailings to different neighborhoods
•Created fliers for market promotion
•Created gantt chart explaining tasks
•Research of other markets within the Detroit area, observing their marketing tools, laying out how their markets differ from Tech Town's; also researching other market' reasons for success
•Assisted the Marketing team
Students: Ying Qi and Jimmy Zhang
Exploring how TechTown can accelerate business revitalization in Grandmont-Rosedale and Osborn neighborhoods through commercial real estate acquisition.
•Completed Introduction, Methodology, and Neighborhood Profiles for a final recommendation
•Quantitatively analyzed LocalData results, including analyses of business types, commercial properties conditions, etc. Created graphics to include in our supply-side analysis.
•Imported shapefile from LocalData into qGIS to analyze physical distribution of undesirable businesses and desirable businesses
•Integrated population density data and job density data (provided by Data Driven Detroit) into commercial property results
•Identified strategic areas for commercial development
•Created a road map for real estate acquisition
•Provided a comprehensive final recommendation
LithSafe at TECHTOWN
Student: Peter Shi
Developing Business Model Canvas and Investor Presentation as well as helping design the supply chain for LithSafe, one of Tech Town's clients. LithSafe provides products and training to suppress fires caused by lithium ion batteries. LithSafe also designs storage units to safely transport and store lithium ion batteries, mostly for hybrid cars. They are currently concentrated on working with motor companies before later expanding to other products such as boats, planes, trains, iPhones, and other electronics.
•Researched for better alternatives for materials and companies in LithSafe’s Value Chain
•Revised/refined said value chain
•Created Work-Flow Diagram
•Created visual display of cost-Benefit Analysis
•Came up with ideas for improving prototype design; and generating ideas before first prototype before the container is shown to major car companies such as Ford, Tesla, and Volkswagen.
•Road Mapping ideas
•Business Model Canvas
•Created Investor Presentation: Brianna Whitfield & Kiran Jones- DETROIT FOOD ACADEMY
Putting the systems into place to launch the Small Batch Brand for Detroit Food Academy which has the following goals:
•Offered employment to DFA graduates, provide financing for DFA programming, and spread awareness of DFA.
•Created new forms for kitchen and market to fill out-- to create clear communication within the organization
•Made Market Inventory checklists, Market Sales Data Sheets, Order Forms, and Kitchen Inventory Sheets more simple and more effective.
•Assisted DFA students with their business plans for their food ventures
•Finalized website
•Researched sales data and analyzing the literal market customer base
•Compared prices for packaging
•Sett up systems to have successful market runs, which include creating a market checklist, taking pictures of the set-up, keeping notes on best practices and areas for improvement
•Connected customers to DFA through sign ups at the Eastern MarketBilly Silk and Shahi Masireddy- D:Hive's BUILD Program
Presenting recommendations on how to improve the curriculum of D:Hive's BUILD Program to make it as effective as possible. D:
•Hive’s “BUILD” program, is an eight-week business and project planning class for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs.
•Curriculum analysis in comparison with two other options followed by a recommendation
•Analysis of Customer Relation Management software
•Updates to the Internal D:Hive BUILD Google drive
•Memo on Detroit's funding landscape for low-moderate income entrepreneurs
•Curated content for BUILD class website
TECHTOWN
Student: Ta'Chelle Morris
Attracting vendors and creating publicity and attendance for the Fenkel Street Market-- ensuring that it is not just a block party, but attracts entrepreneurs and supports the idea of creating start-up business in that area, which would then bring more foot traffic to the Brightmoor community.
•Assisted in bringing vendors and the public to the Market
•Created mailings to different neighborhoods
•Created fliers for market promotion
•Created gantt chart explaining tasks
•Research of other markets within the Detroit area, observing their marketing tools, laying out how their markets differ from Tech Town's; also researching other market' reasons for success
•Assisted the Marketing team
