Small Business Showcase
Shop Small, Support Local, and Discover Something New
The annual UM-Dearborn Small Business Showcase brings together student, staff, faculty, alumni, and community entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, connect with customers, and share their products and services with the UM-Dearborn community. Attendees can explore a diverse collection of offerings, from clothing and accessories to handmade goods, food, and more.
More than just a shopping experience, the Small Business Showcase celebrates entrepreneurship, innovation, and community. Now approaching its third year, the event gives emerging entrepreneurs valuable experience promoting their businesses, engaging with customers, and building connections, while encouraging the campus and surrounding community to discover and support local businesses.
The showcase is where I made my first sale when a student bought one of my sweatshirts.
2027 Small Business Showcase
Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2027
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Renick University Center, UM-Dearborn
2026 Showcase
The 2nd Annual Small Business Showcase, hosted on February 17, 2026, featured more than 30 businesses owned by students, alumni, and the local community. Offerings included custom clothing, jewelry, greeting cards, baked goods, and more.
2025 Showcase
On February 18, 2025, more than a dozen small business owners participated in the Inaugural UM-Dearborn Small Business Showcase. Vendors included students, staff, and local community members with offerings such as clothing, plants, barbeque sauce, candles, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We welcome small business owners from the UM-Dearborn community, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni as well as the local community to be vendors at the event.
No, there is no fee to participate as a vendor at the event.
Yes, businesses are welcome, but not required, to sell their offerings at the event.
Contact the Assistant Director of iLabs, Kari Kowalski, at [email protected], to learn more about the 3rd Annual Small Business Showcase.