DETROIT (April 3, 2025) – Gilbert Family Foundation today announced a $615,000 investment in BUILD Institute, a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering aspiring and existing microentrepreneurs—business owners with limited capital and fewer than 10 employees. This grant aims to expand BUILD Institute’s programming, enhance organizational capacity and provide critical resources for Detroit microentrepreneurs.

The funding will support initiatives focused on:

  • Increasing Capital Access: Providing grants and low-interest loans to microentrepreneurs.
  • Delivering Educational and Business Development: Offering comprehensive training and resources to help entrepreneurs succeed.
  • Fostering Economic Growth: Empowering microentrepreneurs to grow their businesses, create jobs and build generational wealth within under-resourced communities in Detroit.

“Gilbert Family Foundation is committed to creating pathways to economic opportunity for all Detroiters,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Gilbert Family Foundation. “BUILD Institute’s proven track record makes them an ideal partner to provide the critical resources needed to help emerging entrepreneurs thrive and create long term wealth for themselves and the broader community.”

Founded in 2012, BUILD Institute provides essential business training, funding and support to Detroit entrepreneurs. The organization is renowned for innovative programs focused on business development, financial literacy and strategic planning – ultimately enabling entrepreneurs to build sustainable, lucrative businesses.

“This generous grant from the Gilbert Family Foundation allows BUILD to significantly deepen our impact within Detroit’s entrepreneurial community,” said Camille Walker-Banks, interim President and CEO, BUILD Institute. “The funding will directly increase access to capital through grants and low-interest loans, expand our educational offerings and empower more microentrepreneurs to achieve economic self-sufficiency and generational wealth.”

By strategically investing in entrepreneurship, workforce development and job creation, Gilbert Family Foundation aims to drive sustainable economic growth and lasting prosperity across Detroit communities. The Foundation’s support for BUILD Institute is part of its $500 million, 10-year commitment — shared with Rocket Community Fund — to increase opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods.

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About Gilbert Family Foundation

Gilbert Family Foundation is a private nonprofit foundation founded by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert to accelerate a cure for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and build economic opportunity in the city of Detroit. The Gilbert Family Foundation supports groundbreaking, cutting-edge research in hopes of eradicating NF1, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. Additionally, the Foundation supports the economic stability and mobility of residents in Detroit by investing in wealth-building opportunities and breaking down systemic barriers.

For more information on the Gilbert Family Foundation, please visit gilbertfamilyfoundation.org.

About BUILD Institute

BUILD Institute serves as an incubator of small businesses and a champion of native Detroit talent, where we harness and encourage the entrepreneurial drive that is so unique to the region, and provide tools, resources and support for small business development that would not exist otherwise. BUILD Institute helps turn unique and in-demand business ideas into reality, with a particular focus on micro entrepreneurship and “Main Street” brick and mortar small businesses. To learn more, visit www.buildinstitute.org.