The Digital Pivot Program

The Digital Pivot Program is a hybrid virtual & in-person 6-week cohort program designed to help Washtenaw County entrepreneurs scale through e-commerce. At the end of 6 weeks, Digital Pivot Program graduates will walk away with expert advice across social media, accounting, marketing, order management and a $5,000 grant to grow their business.

Hybrid

The Digital Pivot Program will be hosted partially in-person & virtually.

Hands-on

This program was built to encourage entrepreneurs to build their e-commerce business themselves, with the help of our team.

Flexible

The Digital Pivot program is available to all Washtenaw County business in all industries and stages.

Grant Powered

Digital Pivot Program participants receive a $5,000 grant at the end of the program to propel their e-commerce business.

Powered by Proxie

Proxie, a technical assistance firm, has worked with several non-profits, government agencies, and more to support diverse businesses owners. To date, Proxie has served over 200 businesses and helped entrepreneurs raise over $3.5 million in capital.

Meet Your Coaches

  • Autumn Kyles

    Program Lead

  • Victoria Washington

    Program Manager

  • Daniel A. Washington

    Marketing & Website

  • Ornella Yovo

    Accounting

  • Jonnelle Boyd

    Packaging & Operations

  • Diamond Anderson

    Social

Course Details

  • IN-PERSON: Participants will meet with program instructors and other participants to learn about the Digital Pivot Program

  • VIRTUAL: Participants will discuss pricing and bookkeeping for managing their new business model.

  • VIRTUAL: This hands-on workshop will teach participants how to build their basic Shopify website.

  • VIRTUAL: Participants will walk through the shipping and order management process for their e-commerce business.

  • VIRTUAL: This 2-part workshop will introduce social media & website e-commerce tools.

  • IN-PERSON: Participants will wrap up the cohort by exploring growth opportunities and celebrating the completion of the program.

Program Deliverables

At the end of the Digital Pivot Program’s 6-week cohort, you’ll walk away with:

E-commerce growth strategy

We’ll work with you to build a simple and operational Website that’s functional by the end of the cohort.

$5,000 Cash Grant

You will receive a grant that can be applied to offset a variety of business expenses, including rental fees or additional coaching support

Expert Coaching & Individualized Support

After every workshop, you have the option to meet 1:1 with our experts.

Program Requirements

In order to participate the the Digital Pivot Program, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Your business must have less than 5 employees, including you.

  2. You must have been in business on or before March 16, 2020 (If you closed on or after March 2020 and are re-opening, you are eligible).

  3. Your business must be located in Washtenaw County, MI

  4. You must meet the following income requirements:

    If you are a one person household, you must make less than $55,900.
    If your household has 2 people, you must make less than $63,900.
    If your household has 3 people, you must make less than $71,900.
    If your household has 4 people, you must make less than $79,900.
    If your household has 5 people, you must make less than $86,300.
    If your household has 6 people, you must make less than $92,700.
    If your household has 7 people, you must make less than $99,100.
    If your household has 8 people, you must make less than $105,500.