Our Events
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Featured BTS Events
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Workshops, Happy Hours & More

2025 Digital Empowerment Summit
Welcome to Black Tech Saturdays in Detroit, where we are fostering a culture of innovation and imagination to support the growth of Black tech. Our mission is to create community wealth by sharing knowledge, building a strong community, and celebrating Black Joy.
We believe that the success of Black tech requires a diverse range of perspectives, and that's why we're committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in everything we do. Our goal is to create an environment that supports the growth of high-growth companies, quality jobs, and opportunities for everyone in the community.

2025 Holiday Celebration
Join us for the Black Tech Saturdays Holiday Celebration — a joyful gathering to close out the year with warmth, gratitude, and community power. We’re bringing together founders, creatives, technologists, and supporters for an evening of music, food, laughter, and connection. Let’s honor the progress we’ve made, the joy we’ve shared, and the future we’re building together. All are welcome — come celebrate Black brilliance and holiday cheer with us!

August Founders on the Fairway: Beginners Golf
Step onto the green with purpose.
Founders on the Fairway: Beginners Golf Clinics are designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and connections you need to succeed—not just in golf, but in business and beyond.
Whether you’ve never picked up a club or you’re brushing off your swing, this is your chance to learn the game in a welcoming, culturally-rooted space. These clinics are your prep for upcoming moments of impact—from Black Tech Saturdays’ Founders on the Fairway Golf Outing, to the Rocket Mortgage Classic and The John Shippen Invitational.

Workshop Series: Getting Started with NSF | A Founder's Guide to Research & Innovation Programs with Javier & Darrell Presented by Black Tech Saturdays
The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers early-stage funding through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs—also known as America’s Seed Fund. In this session, founders will get an inside look at how these programs work, what makes a strong application, and how to position your startup for success. We'll be joined by founders who have secured NSF funding, walking through their journeys and sharing lessons learned on how to unlock this powerful source of non-dilutive capital.

Workshop Series: Own the Spotlight | Mastering Media Readiness with Josh Landon
Unlocking Funding: How to Source Pitch Competitions, Grants, Solicitations, and Accelerators
Ready to find the right funding to grow your startup? This tactical session is designed for early- to mid-stage founders looking to cut through the noise and confidently pursue capital. We’ll break down key funding types—pitch competitions, government grants, solicitations, and accelerators—and show you exactly where to find them. You’ll learn what makes a strong application, how to avoid common missteps, and how to build a toolkit that makes you funder-ready. Walk away with a clear strategy and a list of actionable resources to help your journey!

Workshop Series: Go-To-Market Strategies for Founders with Justin Turk Presented by Black Tech Saturdays
Bringing a product to market takes more than a great idea—it requires a clear plan. This interactive workshop will help founders break down the core components of a winning go-to-market (GTM) strategy. From identifying your target customer to refining your unique value proposition and selecting the right sales and marketing channels, you'll learn how to craft a strategy that aligns with your business model and growth goals. Perfect for early-stage founders looking to launch or scale smarter.

Tech Thursday Happy Hour
Unwind, connect, and spark new ideas at Tech Thursday! Join fellow founders, innovators, and tech enthusiasts for a casual evening of networking, conversation, and community building. Whether you’re looking to meet collaborators, share your latest project, or just enjoy a drink with like-minded peers, Tech Thursday is the perfect place to plug into the Detroit tech community.

Diaspora Connect Pitch Competition | Presented By: AfroFuture X Black Tech Saturdays X Venture 313
Join us for a groundbreaking pitch competition that bridges innovation across the global Black diaspora. Diaspora Connect brings together visionary entrepreneurs, technologists, and changemakers to Detroit, showcasing solutions that strengthen connections between Black communities worldwide.

Workshop Series: Funding Strategies & Sourcing Workshop with Nina Archie Presented by Black Tech Saturdays
Unlocking Funding: How to Source Pitch Competitions, Grants, Solicitations, and Accelerators
Ready to find the right funding to grow your startup? This tactical session is designed for early- to mid-stage founders looking to cut through the noise and confidently pursue capital. We’ll break down key funding types—pitch competitions, government grants, solicitations, and accelerators—and show you exactly where to find them. You’ll learn what makes a strong application, how to avoid common missteps, and how to build a toolkit that makes you funder-ready. Walk away with a clear strategy and a list of actionable resources to help your journey!
Moments That Sparked Change
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Event Recaps
Over the years, we’ve hosted thousands of attendees across Detroit and beyond through immersive events that bring together technologists, creatives, investors, founders, and community leaders. Black Tech Saturdays continues to shift what’s possible when culture, technology, and purpose collide. Our events aren’t just about access, they’re about reimaging the future!
Explore our past events -
Notable Speakers
From visionary founders to Fortune 500 execs, these are the changemakers shaping the future of tech, business, and community. Their insights have inspired the next wave of Black innovation.
Meet the Changemakers

Join the Movement.
Build the Future.
Opportunities, connections, and community are waiting. Join BTS and be part of what’s next.