Frequently asked questions
Please contact us if we don’t answer your question below.
…BY High School STUDENTS
I am a high school student, how can I join DEN?
You can apply here. See right below for our eligibility requirements.
Am I eligible to join?
Our applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must currently attend high school or a high school equivalent (9th through 12th graders in homeschool, technical schools, etc.)
Must be at least 13 years old
Must attend school in the southeast Michigan area
When does the application open?
The application is open all year round and we accept students on a rolling basis. However, to enroll in the Startup program, you must do so before the first workshop. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you'll be notified of important upcoming enrollment deadlines!
How can I participate in the Startup program?
Please see the Startup section below for more details.
Are there any fees to join?
Nope! DEN always has and always will be absolutely free. We are subsidized through a number grants from the University of Michigan and support from generous donors. As part of our mission, we want to ensure that no financial barrier will limit a student’s access to DEN.
…BY COLLEGE STUDENTS
I am a college student, how can I join DEN?
You can apply here.
Am I eligible to join?
Please note that as at this time we are only accepting students currently enrolled at the University of Michigan. We hope to accept applicants from other southeastern Michigan universities in the future. Please contact us if you’re interested in organizing a DEN chapter at your school.
I have my own business. How will DEN help me grow my business and network?
While you will be surrounded by a group of entepreneurial peers and have the opportunity to meet influential professionals in our community, our network is focused on supporting the high school enterpreneurs in and around Detroit. Your main role in our network will be to serve as a mentor to our high school students. Startup and our other programming are NOT intended for your own ventures as the curriculum is designed for high school students.
I am interested in more than mentoring. How can I help beyond being a mentor?
Since mentorship is a core part of our network, we require all college student members to participate in mentorship. However, our executive board (eBoard) at the University of Michigan has many roles to fulfill the diversity of needs to run our network successfully. Check out our team page to get an idea of the opportunities available.
…BY ProfessionalS
How can I help?
Thank you for your interest in supporting our network. Without support from professionals like you, we could not have the successful programs we do. Please introduce yourself on the contact us page either via the embedded form, phone, or email.
…ABOUT startup
Am I eligible to join?
You must be accepted into the Detroit Entrepreneurship Network as a high school member to enroll in Startup.
When does the Startup program begin?
Due to the ongoing pandemic, we are currently redeveloping the program to be completely virtual. The start date will be announced soon. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter so you'll be notified of important announcements and upcoming enrollment deadlines.
Is there another application to enroll in Startup?
No, you will not need to apply again to enroll in Startup. If we’ve offered you admission, we already know you’ll be a great participant!
How do I enroll in Startup?
We will send information to all of our current high school members when the enrollment window opens. If you are already a high school member of our network, please make sure to check your email frequently and contact us if your email has changed.
Why do I have to enroll in Startup?
Some DEN students do not choose to participate in the Startup program but would like to benefits from other opportunities DEN provides. To let us know that you’re planning on participating in Startup, you must enroll. You will receive an email from us at the address we have on file with information about enrollment when the enrolmment window opens. Please make sure to check your email frequently and contact us if your email has changed.
Are there any costs to enroll or participate in Startup?
Nope! Startup, as well as all DEN programming, is completely free. As part of our mission, we want to ensure that no financial barrier will limit a student’s access to DEN.
Where do workshops take place?
Due to the ongoing pandemic, all our workshops will take place virtually until further notice.
Previously, we hosted our workshops at various venues in Detroit and Ann Arbor. Our workshops were often held in the Madison Building in Detroit and at the Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor. We look forward to resuming on-location workshops when safe to do so.
When are the workshops?
Once you are enrolled, you’ll be provided a full syllabus including all workshop times. If you’re currently a high school member of our network and are considering enrollment, please email us at students@detroitden.com for further information.
Do I have to have an idea to enroll?
No! We’re ready to enroll all motivated students who are willing to put in the effort. People have cool new ideas all the time, but what separates a successful student is one that works hard to make their ideas a reality.
I am a college student member and this sounds awesome! How can I participate?
You’ll serve as a mentor for our high school student members and guide them through the startup process—taking an idea and creating a business.