From pioneering the automotive industry to driving breakthroughs in manufacturing, design and engineering, Detroit’s workforce has been known as a city of hard workers and innovative problem-solvers for more than a century.
Today, that same spirit of innovation is shaping the jobs of the future. As new industries emerge in advanced manufacturing, health care, public safety and construction, Detroit is once again at the forefront, thanks, in part, to the support of Gilbert Family Foundation.
Recently, the foundation invested $2.3 million in three major initiatives, each of which addresses different aspects of the future workforce.
Building the hardtech innovation pipeline: Centrepolis Accelerator
Innovation isn’t just digital. Physical product development, often called hardtech, requires unique support -- especially for entrepreneurs in underserved communities. That’s why Gilbert Family Foundation invested $800,000 into the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University, a hub that supports hardtech startups in Detroit.
This investment aims to expand opportunities for innovators developing tangible products, from medical devices to mobility solutions -- building on Detroit’s century-long legacy. With the region expecting 24,000 new manufacturing jobs by 2028, Centrepolis will play a key role in preparing Detroiters to lead this next industrial chapter.
“This funding allows us to take our mission to the next level by focusing on underrepresented innovators with breakthrough hardtech solutions,” said Dan Radomski, Centrepolis Accelerator CEO. “We can expand our reach and help more entrepreneurs navigate the journey from idea to commercial reality, to actually experience getting their product to market and creating wealth for them and their families.”
The program is already underway; applications closed July 17, selections were announced July 25, and the official launch took place on Aug. 5.
Learn more: Gilbert Family Foundation Invests $800,000 in Centrepolis Accelerator
Cultivating the next generation: Project Genesis relaunch
Preparing tomorrow’s workforce starts early and with meaningful experiences. That’s the goal of Project Genesis, returning this year with a $300,000 investment and partnerships with the Detroit Medical Center and the Detroit Public Safety Foundation.
After a pandemic pause, the program is back to expose 25 Detroit high school students to immersive experiences in health care and emergency services.
Project Genesis is more than exposure -- it’s a proven on-ramp to professional success. Since 2005, more than 1,000 teens have participated, with more than 20 alumni now working at the DMC.
“Oftentimes, youth in our community aren’t aware of all the opportunities and various pathways to employment in health care,” said Brittany Lavis, CEO of DMC Group. “We are excited to offer an up-close look to students who potentially could be our future colleagues.”
This year, the program is expanding to include career exposure with the Detroit Fire Department. Through a new partnership with the Detroit Public Safely Foundation, students will gain hands-on insight into the department’s EMT program, opening new pathways into public safety and emergency response.
The program shows how early investment in youth leads to long-term opportunity and community resilience.
Learn more: Project Genesis Relaunch Empowers Detroit Youth
Strengthening the construction backbone: Ignite Detroit contractors
Detroit’s future is being built by small contractors who often face challenges growing their businesses. To bridge that gap, the Ignite Detroit Contractors program is launching a $1.2 million investment to support early-stage contractors, especially startups.
With a rolling enrollment model and a flexible six- to 12-month timeline, the program offers tailored business development support. It’s a collaborative effort with Michigan Women Forward, LifeLine Global Consulting and The Ownership Initiative -- building on the success of the Motor City Contractor Fund.
“Detroit’s future depends on creating real, lasting pathways to economic opportunity, and that starts by investing in the people who are ready to build it,” said Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO of Michigan Women Forward. “Ignite will help hundreds of Detroit-based contractors move from surviving to scaling -- growing their businesses, hiring locally and creating long-term personal and generational wealth.”
By supporting building the physical spaces where Detroiters shop, work, play and live, this initiative strengthens the backbone of the city’s economy.
Learn more: Ignite Detroit Contractors Program Launch
The strategic vision: Economic mobility through diverse industries
What makes these investments more than just one-off investments is their strategic diversity. By targeting manufacturing and hardtech, health care, public safety and construction, the Gilbert Family Foundation is creating a diverse range of opportunities for residents across the city of Detroit.
By investing at every stage of the journey, from high school students exploring careers to contractors building the city’s infrastructure, these initiatives are helping Detroiters connect to opportunities that can lead to lifelong careers and thriving businesses.
Click or tap here to learn more about Gilbert Family Foundation initiatives.