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Detroit, MI—December 12, 2024 – Michigan Central and Black Tech Saturdays (BTS), a transformative movement championing diversity and inclusion in technology, are elevating their collaboration to empower Black and Brown entrepreneurs while creating a thriving ecosystem in Detroit and beyond. With this expanded partnership, Black Tech Saturdays will establish its headquarters at Michigan Central, accelerating Detroit’s position as a hub for inclusive tech innovation and entrepreneurship.

Since its inception in 2023, Black Tech Saturdays has become a vital resource for underestimated entrepreneurs. From a gathering of five individuals, BTS has grown into a dynamic movement serving more than 15,000 participants, generating millions in revenue, grants, and investments for Detroit entrepreneurs and helping founders connect, grow and succeed. This partnership enables Michigan Central and BTS to address systemic challenges in the tech industry while building a blueprint for national change.

“We are not just teaching entrepreneurship—we are cultivating leadership,” said Johnnie Turnage, co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays. “Entrepreneurs must become self-aware, prepared, and equipped for each stage of growth. By leveraging partnerships with institutions like Michigan Central, we provide the resources and safe space they need to thrive, while showing the nation what a strong, inclusive ecosystem can achieve.”

The partnership includes a dedicated office suite, complete with co-working spaces, classrooms, and conference rooms. This space will enable BTS to host monthly programming such as hands-on workshops, pitch competitions, leadership development sessions, and community networking events. Michigan Central and BTS will also collaborate on state policy recommendations to enhance Michigan’s supportive ecosystem for diverse founders and scale these initiatives nationally.

“Detroit is center of gravity for innovation,” said Alexa Turnage, co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays. “With Michigan Central’s support, we’ve seen companies double in size, six-figure, and seven figure contracts signed, and even personal milestones like marriages start here. Their partnership has empowered us to replicate this success nationwide.”

Additionally, the partnership will serve as a cornerstone for BTS’s national expansion, which began with its first satellite program in Baltimore in December 2023. Upcoming programs are planned for Houston, Atlanta, Lansing, and beyond in 2025, using the Detroit model to empower Black and Brown tech entrepreneurs across the country.

“Michigan Central is committed to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem where diverse voices lead the way,” said Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, Director of Talent Development and Programming at Michigan Central. “Black Tech Saturdays spotlights the immense potential of Detroit’s tech community, offering resources for entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing capital, connections, training and other resources needed to grow their business. We are excited to strengthen our partnership and amplify its impact even further.”

To date, Black Tech Saturdays participants have secured over $10 million in funding, created hundreds of new jobs and launched startups that now serve thousands of customers. The program’s impact extends beyond economic metrics, fostering a community of founders and innovators who support one another, creating generational wealth and a legacy of innovation.

This partnership will officially launch with a holiday celebration and pitch competition December 14 at Newlab at Michigan Central (15th St, Detroit, MI 48216). To RSVP and learn more, visit https://www.blacktechsaturdays.com.

Michigan Central is home to a growing community of diverse innovators and local businesses. Through its work with Newlab, it supports 130 startups, half of which have a founder who is a woman, African-American or Latinx, three backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented in tech. Michigan Central is also actively working to equip Detroit residents with the skills to join the tech industry. Most recently, it partnered with Detroit at Work and the State of Michigan to launch the Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund, which provides over $1.5M of training investment into early-stage technology and mobility-focused companies in Detroit by providing resources to acquire talent, grow operations, and create economic opportunity for Detroit residents.

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About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of about 730 employees from almost 130 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. Learn more at Michigan Central .

About Black Tech Saturdays

Founded in 2023 by husband-and-wife team Johnnie and Alexa Turnage, Black Tech Saturdays is a community-led initiative focused on increasing Black tech representation and community wealth. Through this movement, tens of thousands of people have participated in tech networking, collaboration, and education sessions across the U.S. Learn more at BLACK TECH SATURDAYS .