New Training Institute, Grand Circus, Launches to Meet Growing Need for Tech Jobs in Downtown Detroit

DETROIT, Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new training institute will open in downtown Detroit to meet the ever-growing need for technology professionals in the city's burgeoning digital hub. 

Grand Circus, www.grandcircus.co, will offer students and local businesses cutting-edge training in technology, business and design beginning this September. 

Located in the historic Broderick Tower, the training institute's flexible curriculum includes more than 30 different classes to choose from, including Build an iPhone App, The Design Process, and Digital Marketing.

"We teach the latest in mobile and web development, but we don't stop there," said Damien Rocchi, CEO and Co-Founder of Grand Circus.  "We also teach innovation, entrepreneurship, and design. We're an ecosystem for Detroit's tech community, a new home for learning, co-working, and events."

Grand Circus rejects traditional thinking where lectures are the focal point of a student's learning experience. Students at Grand Circus will learn by doing, with help from real developers, entrepreneurs, and designers.  Three format options – courses (10-12 weeks), workshops (1-3 days) and seminars (1-3 hours) – are offered.

The company was kick-started when founders Rocchi and Bradley Hoos met while working at Detroit's collaborative tech space in the M@dison building. 

"We saw the opportunity and quickly converged on a mission to create an amazing home for technology training in Detroit, a city with immeasurable talent that is just starting to reach its full potential," said Rocchi, adding that the company took its name from the Park that sits outside the Broderick Tower's front door.

Grand Circus joins Detroit Venture Partners' (DVP) portfolio, a venture capital firm formed by Detroit business leaders Dan Gilbert, Josh Linkner, and Brian Hermelin.  DVP invests in seed and early-stage technology companies.

"As Detroit continues to grow and evolve its technology core, developing creative and talented technology professionals is critical.  We are excited about the important role Grand Circus will play in the city's continued revolution," said Josh Linkner, Managing Partner of DVP. 

"Detroit's tech scene is dynamic and there's a certain vibe and feel that exists here that you just have to experience," said Hoos, COO and Co-Founder of Grand Circus. "We're excited to be at the epicenter of Detroit's tech earthquake just as it's making waves."

The institute will also offer collaborative co-working and event space, with stunning views of Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre and Grand Circus Park.  Grand Circus' placement program offers employers looking for world-class talent first dibs on trained Grand Circus graduates.

About Grand Circus

Grand Circus is a training institute in downtown Detroit on a mission to elevate the tech community. Whether it's training, co-working or events, Grand Circus offers it all under one tent. Based in the historic Broderick Tower, Grand Circus space was designed to inspire collaboration and create the next big idea. For more information, visit www.grandcircus.co.

About Detroit Venture Partners

Detroit Venture Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in seed and early-stage technology companies with a strong emphasis on Detroit-based startups. It provides hands-on coaching, mentorship, support, and resources to help drive growth and success. The firm was founded in 2010 by Josh Linkner, Dan Gilbert and Brian Hermelin.   Visit www.Detroitventurepartners.com.

SOURCE Grand Circus