Operating within Business+Impact at Michigan Ross, the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project connects Detroit small business owners with U-M students and faculty to solve real-world business challenges. DNEP offers free help with accounting, marketing, law, and technology so local businesses can grow. Students also get real-world experience by working with Detroit business owners.
“Our mission is to build stronger Detroit businesses by allowing students to flex the skills they are learning in the classroom,” said Christie Baer, co-founder and managing director of DNEP.
Collaborating at Ross and beyond to grow Detroit businesses
Baer and Siobhan Barrett, the program and business development manager, make up the DNEP staff. Together, they run three main programs: Accounting Consulting, Community Tech Consulting, and Motor City Multipliers. These programs give U-M students experience tackling real problems with Detroit business owners — everything from improving business models and accounting help to legal advice, website management, and social media.
