Changing Lanes
The Changing Lanes program aims to bridge the automotive and startup talent ecosystems in Michigan.Michigan’s mobility startup ecosystem is missing a key opportunity to harness local talent. Despite being a hub for the automotive industry, the Detroit region’s mobility cluster lags in startup activity, capturing just 7% of statewide venture capital (VC) and 6% of angel investment activity (Automobility, 2021).
Changing Lanes is here to change that. Our mission is to:
- Increase the number of startup founders in Michigan.
- Create successful pathways for corporate talent to transition into startup roles.
Supporting Corporate-to-Startup Transitions
We aim to guide corporate professionals from being “startup unaware” or skeptical to “startup curious” and empowered to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
How We Do It
- Storytelling as a Catalyst for Exploration:
By showcasing the journeys of successful startups, we provide aspiring founders and professionals a glimpse into the startup world. These real-life stories make the unfamiliar feel achievable and transform abstract ideas into tangible possibilities. - Building a Pathway:
Through curated programs and events, we help individuals explore startups as a viable career pathway, fostering the confidence to take the leap into Michigan’s dynamic startup ecosystem.
Join us in transforming Michigan’s mobility cluster into a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Let’s turn curiosity into action and unlock the full potential of our talent pool!
Are You Startup Curious?
Are you curious about the journey of building a startup and scaling it to success? Changing Lanes is excited to host a series of informal fireside chats with inspiring founders, in collaboration with SmartZone partners across Michigan. Each event is designed to provide valuable insights and foster meaningful connections including:
- Founder Q&A: Hear firsthand stories from successful founders about their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges, and lessons learned. Get your burning questions answered in an interactive session.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals in your community who share your passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Local Resources: Learn about the tools, programs, and support available from your nearby SmartZone to help you start and grow your own business.
Why Attend?
These events aim to lower the barriers to learning by creating a casual, engaging space for aspiring entrepreneurs and community members to gain knowledge and inspiration. By hosting them at SmartZones across Michigan, we’re spotlighting the rich ecosystem of resources available in local communities.
Whether you're considering launching a startup, looking to scale, or simply exploring the entrepreneurial world, these conversations are for you. Join us to learn, connect, and grow with Changing Lanes. Check out the event pages for our upcoming fireside chats to learn more.
Vision to Venture Workshop
Have you ever encountered a problem at work and thought, “Someone should create a solution for this”? What if that someone is you? The Changing Lanes Vision to Venture Workshop is designed to help you take the first steps toward turning your idea into a viable startup. In this collaborative session, you will:
- Refine Your Idea: Work with a group to explore the value propositions and identify potential customers for your solution.
- Build a Strong Foundation: Develop a clearer understanding of your opportunity to prepare for entry into Michigan’s startup support ecosystem.
Why Attend?
This session is perfect for aspiring founders looking to validate their ideas and connect with the resources and guidance needed to bring their vision to life. Take the next step in your journey and discover how you can turn challenges into opportunities—and opportunities into success! Contact us to learn about when this programming will be coming to your community.
Register for Upcoming Events
Fireside Chat with Founders: Building and Scaling Startups in Detroit
January 15, 2025 7-9 PM
Changing Lanes invites you to kick off the year with an engaging fireside chat at TechTown Detroit!
Fireside Chat with Founders: Building and Scaling Startups in Auburn Hills
January 22, 2025 5:30-7:30 PM
Changing Lanes invites you to kick off the year with an engaging fireside chat at OU Inc!
Momentum: Career Transition Program
Are you interested in leveraging your skills to help a growing company thrive? Momentum: Career Transition Program is designed to guide experienced professionals like you through a smooth transition from the corporate world to the dynamic startup ecosystem. This thoughtfully curated program provides the tools, insights, and hands-on experience you need to successfully navigate your career shift.
Program Highlights
Over the course of three months, you’ll engage in:
- 10 Days of In-Person Workshops: Master key career management skills, including strategic planning, visioning, talent assessment, professional networking, social media branding, resume writing, and interviewing techniques, weekly February through May.
- Individualized Career Transition Action Plan: Develop a tailored roadmap to align your expertise with startup opportunities.
- Real-World Experience: Participate in resume reviews, mock interviews, and an 80-hour internship with a startup to gain practical exposure to the startup environment.
- Career Coaching & Peer Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals in small groups to share insights and grow together.
- Personalized Mentoring: Receive one-on-one guidance to accelerate your career development.
- Inspirational Guest Speakers: Hear from industry leaders and innovators to spark new ideas and perspectives.
Outcomes You Can Expect
Upon completing the program, you’ll be able to:
- Leverage Your Expertise: Identify transferable skills to align with opportunities in high-growth sectors like electrification, automation, and aerial mobility.
- Analyze Industry Trends: Understand emerging trends to position yourself for future talent needs in the evolving mobility industry.
- Explore Startup Culture: Evaluate whether a fast-paced startup environment aligns with your career aspirations.
Momentum isn’t just a program—it’s your bridge to an exciting new chapter in the startup world.
Apply Now for Momentum
Applications are open — don't miss your chance to join us! Selected candidates will be announced by February 7, 2025, with the program officially kicking off on February 24, 2025. Momentum will be hosted in person in Detroit, with hybrid options available if necessary. A participation fee of up to $400 will apply for those selected, but scholarships and payment plans are available to ensure accessibility.
Take the first step toward an incredible experience!
Host a Professional Practicum with Momentum
Are you a founder or part of a startup team seeking experienced talent? Consider hosting a two-week professional practicum through our Momentum program!
We’ll match you with skilled professionals participating in the program for a free consultation tailored to your project. Simply fill out our form to outline the scope of your project, and we’ll take care of the rest. At the end of the practicum, if you’re impressed by the collaboration, you have the option to offer the participant a role or extend their involvement through a consultation contract.
Proposals are due by January 31, 2025. Practicums will run during March 2025—don’t miss this opportunity to connect with top talent!
Give Back to the Community: Become a Volunteer
If you're not ready to change lanes or you’ve already made your transition and want to support others, we’d love to have you as a volunteer! Local smart zones are seeking mentors like you to help startups thrive by sharing your expertise.
Additionally, Momentum is looking for volunteers to assist in impactful ways, such as:
- Conducting mock job interviews
- Providing resume reviews
- Serving as mentors to program participants
Ready to make a difference? Fill out our form to express your interest and learn more about how you can get involved!