YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University is launching a new empowerment program to help entrepreneurs from low-income families in Southeast Michigan start, sustain, and grow their businesses. This initiative reflects EMU’s strategic commitment to job and career preparation as a core driver of student and community success. It also fosters a sense of belonging and shared community support.
The program, offered through EMU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CFEI), is designed not only to equip participants with critical business tools but also to create an inclusive network where all are welcome to learn, collaborate, and thrive. It has a strong focus on developing career-ready skills that align with Eastern’s mission to prepare graduates and community members for meaningful employment and economic advancement.
“This program is about more than supporting businesses; it’s about building community and advancing career pathways,” said Professor Sanjib Chowdhury, director of the EMU Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “Entrepreneurs who often feel left out of traditional networks will find a place here. By surrounding them with mentorship, training, and financial support, we’re helping them succeed in business and career growth while strengthening the fabric of Southeast Michigan.”
Program features include:
- Professional training and certification: Entrepreneurs will participate in virtual workshops led by senior faculty, covering practical topics tailored to their needs. Completing each session will result in an EMU-CFEI certification, building both knowledge and confidence and providing recognized credentials that support job readiness and career mobility.
- Hands-on mentorship: Each participant will be paired with at least two mentors, offering one-on-one guidance to refine business models, troubleshoot challenges, and prepare for long-term sustainability and career advancement.
- Business and technical assistance: Senior-level EMU students, supervised by faculty, will provide semester-long consulting support in areas such as business planning, market research, product development, marketing, and technical services, offering entrepreneurs both strategic guidance and hands-on solutions while connecting participants to valuable networks that can enhance future employment opportunities.
- Intern support: To ease the day-to-day workload, participating businesses will receive about 100 hours of free part-time support from interns funded through the program, providing entrepreneurs with experience in workforce management and leadership.
- Financial assistance: Each entrepreneur will receive targeted funding averaging $6,000 to cover critical needs, such as equipment, marketing, specialized services, or key staffing, helping them overcome financial barriers that can stall their progress and supporting sustainable enterprises that contribute to local job creation.
The program is expected to commence in January 2026, featuring virtual workshops and customized consulting. All workshops will be delivered virtually, with only a few in-person meetings to ensure accessibility for participants across Southeast Michigan. Hands-on support and mentorship will be coordinated through EMU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Ypsilanti.
The Empowerment Program is grounded in the principle that inclusive entrepreneurship fosters the growth and well-being of entire communities. By bringing together faculty, students, business mentors, and local entrepreneurs, the program builds connections across Southeast Michigan, ensuring participants feel supported and encouraged at every step while aligning with Eastern Michigan University’s strategic priority to integrate career preparation into community engagement and economic development initiatives.
“This is a chance for hardworking entrepreneurs from low-income families to finally see their aspirations take shape both as business owners and career professionals,” Chowdhury said. “When we uplift underserved entrepreneurs, we uplift neighborhoods, we uplift families, and we create opportunities for lasting impact.”
Applications are now open. Because space is limited, only a select number of entrepreneurs will be accepted into the program. To learn more and to apply, visit the website. The deadline to apply is Nov. 21, 2025.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today
link