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How BUILD Institute and Economic Impact Catalyst are using data to drive equity and impact in Detroit
What if data wasn't just for funder reports—but for reimagining how we serve entrepreneurs?
That’s the question that BUILD Institute and Economic Impact Catalyst (EIC) set out to answer in the Measuring What Matters webinar. The session offered an inside look at how these two organizations are transforming Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem—by making data useful, usable, and centered on community.
Here are 7 takeaways that stuck with me:
1. Data Should Tell a Story—Not Just Satisfy a Requirement
BUILD isn’t collecting data to tick boxes. They’re using it to track real entrepreneur journeys over time, like Philip Simpson and Josmine Evans—people whose stories stretch across years and multiple programs. The data becomes a narrative of growth, challenges, and resilience—not just a report.
2. Historical Records Matter
Digitizing old data might not sound exciting, but for BUILD, preserving legacy records unlocked the ability to track long-term engagement and outcomes. This historical perspective gives them a richer view of the ecosystem and helps reconnect with alumni who are still building and contributing.
3. A Good Data System is Built Around People, Not Just Programs
BUILD’s 4C Framework—Continuous Feedback, Customized Compliance, Community-Centered Metrics, and Change Over Time—prioritizes real-time responsiveness and long-term tracking. It’s not just about what’s easiest to collect—it’s about what matters most to the people being served.
4. Centralized Data = Better Collaboration
By moving their data infrastructure onto the Startup Space platform, BUILD can track engagement across multiple programs, report more efficiently, and coordinate with partners. This kind of centralization isn’t just a tech fix—it’s a strategic move that increases alignment across the ecosystem.
5. Community Voice Is a Key Metric
BUILD doesn’t just collect data from entrepreneurs—they design their systems to reflect what entrepreneurs care about. Their intake forms are simple, intentional, and respectful—because trust is the foundation of any good data relationship.
6. You Can’t Close Gaps If You Don’t Know Where They Are
One of the most powerful things data can do is map disparities—in who’s participating, who’s missing, and where support is lacking. As BUILD expands into new areas in the Detroit region, they use data to guide outreach and resource allocation with precision and equity in mind.
7. Metrics Must Evolve as the Ecosystem Grows
The needs of entrepreneurs change—and so should the way we measure impact. BUILD continues to refine their metrics to stay relevant to funders, responsive to community, and aligned with Detroit’s evolving small business landscape.
Final Thought
The biggest lesson from Measuring What Matters?
Data is only powerful when it’s aligned with purpose. BUILD and EIC are showing what’s possible when you design data systems with equity, clarity, and long-term impact in mind.
If you're working in entrepreneurship, economic development, or community-building—this is an organization to watch and approach to study.
For more information, watch our on-demand webinar with Marisa Launstein of BUILD Institute on they use Startup Space to measure their ecosystem's success.
