Michigan deeply believes in inclusion and is working to further diversity and equity through government-backed and independent programs. Johnnie Turnage, co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays (BTS), the premiere network of Black entrepreneurs in tech, was born and raised in Detroit and has seen this dedication firsthand.
He credits Michigan’s support of grassroots movements like Black Tech Saturdays as one of the keys to fostering diversity.
“Michigan’s support for BTS exemplifies how grassroots initiatives can create meaningful economic and cultural impact, transforming lives and communities,” Turnage says.
He also says public-private partnerships and Michigan’s focus on building funds to support underrepresented founders are key ways the state fuels innovation and entrepreneurship.
These efforts have paid off, with Grand Rapids and Detroit neighborhoods earning A+ diversity ratings for their distinct cultures and populations. In addition, the 2020 U.S. census showed a 5% increase in Diversity Index Percentage Points for 2010-2020. In that same time, the state saw a 40% increase in those identifying as Asian American.
Michigan’s Diversity-Focused Programs and Opportunities
The Office of Global Michigan works to make the state welcoming and inclusive to all. This involves leading language access initiatives, supporting immigrant inclusion efforts, fostering talent growth, and focusing on equity in state services. Through partnerships, councils, and commissions, like the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission, and Michigan Immigrant and Refugee Council, this office spearheads equity and inclusion initiatives statewide.
Michigan also has several programs to foster a larger talent pool and pipeline for the state. The Michigander Scholars Program was created by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to help meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of the state’s major industries. The first of its kind in the U.S., the program’s public-private partnership with Michigan’s employers and universities provides tech and engineering students with industry knowledge, career opportunities, and scholarships.
Turnage believes public-private partnerships like this and others between the state and organizations like Michigan Central, Microsoft, the Kapor Center, the Song Foundation, and the Gilbert Family Foundation strengthen Michigan’s ecosystem by providing mentorship, training, and funding opportunities.
He also cites programs like the MEDC’s Talent Action Team, which creates pathways for diverse talent to access high-paying careers, and Governor Whitmer’s “Let’s Grow Michigan” campaign, which focuses on retaining talent and fostering inclusivity as key examples of how Michigan is facilitating a diverse tech ecosystem.
Tech Incubators Driving Change
Michigan is also home to a number of tech incubators and accelerator programs that empower entrepreneurs and business owners to succeed.
Programs like the Michigan Founders Fund and Kalamazoo’s Forward Ventures provide direct access to capital for Black and Brown innovators, Turnage says. The Michigan Founders Fund connects high-growth founders and fosters collaboration and community solutions. Forward Ventures invests in startups led by underrepresented founders. Similarly, the New Community Transformation Fund in Grand Rapids is a $25 million fund to support leaders of color and veterans.
Techstars is a global network that helps founders scale their startups through a 3-month, mentorship-driven accelerator program, a $120,000 investment, and access to the Techstars network. The Detroit program was one of five that started in 2022 with a focus on diverse entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by other venture capital sources.
Northwest Michigan’s 20Fathoms has a similar mission — to accelerate the growth of tech startups, entrepreneurs, and scalable businesses. The program is building Traverse City’s tech ecosystem with success — 20Fathoms has created or sustained 350+ jobs, raised $248.8 million in startup and growth capital, and served 200+ companies.
Turnage’s own Black Tech Saturdays was founded in Detroit in 2023 to foster diversity in tech. Their mission is to empower Black tech communities nationwide to drive economic growth, close the wealth gap, and diversify the tech industry. Black Tech Saturdays hosts biweekly gatherings that attract over 1,000 attendees to network, workshop ideas, and pitch to investors, Turnage says.
Photo courtesy: Black Tech Saturdays, Tay Lee
Turnage and his partner and wife, Alexa Turnage, took Black Tech Saturdays on the road this year to AfroTech in Houston and Art Basel in Miami, showcasing Michigan’s inclusive innovation to over 100,000 attendees and drawing attention from national talent and investors.
The Impact of Diversity on Michigan’s Tech Community
The positive impact of diversity on Michigan’s thriving tech community can’t be overstated.
“Diverse teams bring varied perspectives that lead to creative solutions and broader market appeal,” Turnage says. “Teams with different lived experiences approach challenges from multiple angles, improving outcomes and decision-making.”
Expanding the talent network and widening the hiring pool is driving business success throughout Michigan. It also has a big economic impact.
“Digital inclusion drives measurable economic benefits. Studies show that small businesses adopting digital tools can increase their revenue by up to 26%, contributing significantly to local economies,” Turnage says. “For instance, a Deloitte report found that digitally advanced small businesses were nearly three times as likely to experience revenue growth and earned $100,000 more in annual revenue than less digitally advanced peers. By closing the digital divide, we unlock substantial economic value and empower entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy.”
Photo courtesy: Black Tech Saturdays, Tay Lee
He sees Black Tech Saturdays as a cornerstone of Michigan’s efforts to foster diversity in tech. Since its launch in March 2023, the initiative has:
- Engaged over 15,000 participants
- Contributed nearly $30 million in economic impact through grants, investments, revenue, job income, and contracts
- Helped over 200 people find their next roles
- Facilitated the founding of over 100 new companies
Black Tech Saturdays has had a measurable impact on Michigan, made possible by the state’s commitment to funding and supporting grassroots movements like this.
Looking Ahead
To continue to foster diversity and inclusion across the state, Turnage hopes to see the expansion of proven programs and increased funding. For example, Black Tech Saturdays recently received $1.25 million from the Gilbert Family Foundation, which will amplify its reach and support more entrepreneurs.
He also wants to see investment in education and inclusion hubs like Newlab at Michigan Central that provide environments for collaboration and innovation among diverse groups.
“To fully mature the ecosystem, Michigan must continue to invest directly in seasoned entrepreneurs who are pivotal in mentoring and inspiring the next generation,” Turnage says.
Join Michigan’s diverse tech community.
