BasBlue’s Zero-to-One Entrepreneurial Fellowship program supports emerging entrepreneurs who are looking to build, launch and scale a new business but are statistically less likely to receive support through mainstream channels. BasBlue provides each cohort of Fellows with tailored business coaching, 1:1 mentorship, funding, and community to take their ideas to the next level.

Program Focus

Confronting National Trends

12M+​

U.S. businesses are women-owned. 21%< are owned by Black women. 18% are owned by Latina women. 9% are owned by Asian women. 1.4% are owned by Native American women.

43%​

of Michigan businesses are owned by women, yet women of color face significantly lower early-stage survival and profitability rates.

Only 2%​

of women-owned businesses receive venture capital funding, dropping to less than 1% for BIPOC women entrepreneurs.

45%​

is the decrease we experienced in National funding for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) business owners.

Zero-to-One Fellows receive the following:

The BasBlue Foundation Grant​

The BasBlue Foundation Grant presents fellows with financial support to kickstart or advance their entrepreneurial ventures. This grant not only eases financial barriers but also empowers fellows to innovate, experiment, and implement their business ideas with greater confidence and resources.

Subject Matter Expert Instruction

The fellowship’s curriculum aims to develop fellows both personally and professionally as entrepreneurs. Experts cover key areas like business development, storytelling, pitching, marketing, brand building, leadership, team dynamics, and talent management.

Annual BasBlue Membership​

The Annual BasBlue Membership provides fellows with exclusive access to a vibrant community of professionals and resources. This membership includes networking opportunities, workshops, and events designed to foster collaboration, learning, and growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

1:1 Mentorship

The fellowship’s 1:1 Mentorship for 6-Months offers personalized guidance, allowing fellows to receive tailored advice and support from experienced entrepreneurs. This mentorship focuses on addressing individual challenges and setting specific goals, enhancing both personal and professional development.

Application Requirements + Timeline

Applicant Requirements​

All applicants must:

  • Have a for-profit product, business, or business concept.
  • Reside in Detroit / Southeast Michigan.
  • Identify as a woman or nonbinary.
  • Be over the age of 21 by application date.
  • Be a legal resident of the U.S.
  • Be a member of a historically underrepresented and under-resourced community.

Application Timeline

2024 Zero-to-One Fellows

In the Press

Zero-to-One Fellowship

March 3, 2024

|

Yahoo! News

Tax lawyer goes full-time on creating bras for cancer patients

February 9, 2024

|

CBS NEWS

Michigan Matters: Celebrating Black Business

January 23, 2024

|

DBusiness

DBusiness Daily Update: BasBlue in Detroit Selects 10 Local Entrepreneurs for Zero-to-One Fellowship, and More

SUPPORT BASBLUE IN 2025

Since we opened our doors in 2021, BasBlue has helped over 700 women and non-binary individuals each year overcome gender-based inequities, find support, develop professionally, and find a place to belong–and our future is bright.

In 2025, we’re designing experiences that amplify women and non-binary leaders’ potential, and we can’t do it without your help.

Will you make a tax-deductible donation to help BasBlue strengthen our impact?

Ways to Give

The support you give today will have a transformational impact on the lives, voice and vision of our community by not only showing them what is possible, but giving them the tools to get there. The generous contributions of individuals, corporations, and foundations are essential to our ability to fulfill our mission and serve our community.

To learn more about ways to support BasBlue, please contact our Director, Maria Baker at maria@basblueus.com

BasBlue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN 85-4027726. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law for the year in which they were made.

Give Online

BasBlue gratefully accepts electronic donations through American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Give by Mail

Please make checks payable to BasBlue Inc. and indicate in your selected sponsorship level in the check’s memo and field.

The BasBlue Foundation
110 E Ferry St
Detroit, MI 48202