We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new annual event we are calling BUILD Forward. Our goal with BUILD Forward is to engage, showcase and celebrate our phenomenal BUILD Institute alumni, all with a focus on what’s next.
The inaugural event, set to take place this November, will feature an unprecedented-for-BUILD alumni pitch competition. Open to all BUILD Institute class alumni from 2025 cohort programs, this panel-judged pitch competition will award the winner with a $10,000 cash prize to help propel their business into the future.
Celebrating our alumni and impact is what drives BUILD Forward. Taking place throughout the renowned halls of the Detroit Historical Museum, BUILD Forward is designed to showcase our incredible alumni businesses. A strolling reception, where attendees can sample and engage with a number of alumni businesses, will keep the party lively and imbue the evening with the spirit of community and conviviality. Furthermore, we are calling on our alumni to help guide us in this endeavor. BUILD Institute’s newly created Alumni Advisory Council will play a crucial role in informing all aspects of the event, from the selection of pitch candidates to the curation of participating alumni businesses.
As we push forward on this new endeavor, we invite you to join us in championing entrepreneurs, celebrating the multitude of success stories within our ever-growing community, and BUILDing the future of entrepreneurship in Detroit. Learn about our ticket tiers and sponsorship packages.
