Challenge Detroit

34 year old Vincent Thomas is a successful  entrepreneur.  He’s the founder and CEO of Billhighway, a financial technology company in it’s 13th year of operation.  Vincent started the company in his apartment while he was still attending Eastern Michigan University.  He says the company will remain in metro Detroit as long as he’s in charge.

Vincent also wants to see other young, creative people make their mark in Detroit.  That’s why Billhighway is part of a new program called Challenge Detroit, which is looking for the best and the brightest.

Executive Director Deirdre Greene Groves says Challenge Detroit is looking for “professionals, innovative thinkers, leaders, entrepreneurial minds — people who are really doing things to live, work, plan and give in the city of Detroit for the period of one year.”

There are 30 companies involved in the program.  Places like Billhighway, Beaumont Hospitals, Valassis Communications, Cornerstones Schools, DTE Energy and Man’s Lumber.

Each company will hire a participant for one year.  They will receive a $30,000 salary and a host of other benefits, including a stipend for housing in Detroit.

Participants will work four days a week for the company.  The fifth day will be spent on team challenges designed to positively impact the community.  There will also be time for networking and cultural and social activities.

After the year is up, the participant may be invited to stay with the company.  Vincent says there will be other opportunities including starting businesses of their own — preferably here in the Detroit region.

The application process runs through March 16.  Click here for more information.