DETROIT – I what’s rapidly becoming a Detroit entrepreneur staple, Detroit Startup Week returns May 22 offering sixteen learning tracks that support every facet of business development plus access to some movers-and-shakers from JP Morgan, Chase, Google, Quicken Loans, Comcast and Next Energy, just to name a few of the big players. The weeklong event is free.

The opening session, sponsored by Chase for Business, will occur 9 a.m. on Monday, May 22 at Detroit’s historic Masonic Temple. Jill Ford, head of innovation and entrepreneurship for the City of Detroit, will give a “State of Detroit Entrepreneurship” address.  Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) will then deliver a “State of Michigan Entrepreneurship” address, followed by opening remarks from Chase and other corporate leads.

“Startups are driving economic growth and creating millions of new jobs across the country every year,” said Senator Gary Peters. “Detroit’s innovators are helping Michigan become the startup capital of the Midwest. I’m proud to support our local entrepreneurs by working to ensure they have access to the capital and resources they need to launch their businesses and succeed.”

Senator Peters will join NextEnergy President and CEO Jean Redfield and Paul Hemmersbaugh of General Motors for a mobility fireside chat on Monday, May 22 at 11 a.m. The panel will discuss what role startups play in future of mobility, how policy must develop with this new industry, and how mobility solutions affect business models and communities.

“Startups are already making a sizeable impact on the future of mobility,” said Jean Redfield, president and CEO of NextEnergy. “With mobility solution revenue expected to reach $2.1 trillion by 2025, large companies continue to look to these innovators as partners to demonstrate and prove out emerging technologies. Detroit Startup Week will showcase the role startups play in Michigan’s booming mobility industry.”

This year’s Detroit Startup Week has expanded to include 16 learning tracks that support every facet of business development. Tracks are Technology, Entrepreneurship 101, Growth-Stage Entrepreneurship, Mobility, Music, Food-preneurship, Design/Art, Civic Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, IoT – Internet of Things, MedTech, FinTech, Women Entrepreneurship, Place-Based Entrepreneurship, Retail Entrepreneurship and Youth Entrepreneurship.

“This is a celebration and opportunity like no other,” said Monica Wheat, lead planner for Detroit Startup Week and founder of Parallel Ventures. “We have the energy and enthusiasm of tech, the determination of long-time Detroit businesses, and some of the most influential business leaders in the world convening to celebrate and support Detroit entrepreneurship. Our aim is high, and our impact will be great.”

Detroit Startup Week occurs May 22 – 26 with headquarters at Detroit’s historic Masonic Temple. A full list of events and free registration can be found at Detroit.StartupWeek.co.