Usher is teaming up with Big Sean to invest in Detroit youth.
According to a news release, the pair is investing $1 million to launch an innovation incubator that will support youth looking to become content creators. The investment is poised to tap into the growing creator economy, which, according to Goldman Sachs, is projected to become a $480 billion industry by 2027.
The incubator will be situated within the Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, which is set to open in February 2026, notes the press release. Both Usher and Big Sean bring their experiences as Boys & Girls Club alumni, to this investment. The incubator will offer young people ages 14–24 access to creative technology, hands-on learning, and mentorship from executives and creators, preparing them to pursue careers in film, television, and music production, as well as in AI, 3D, immersive technologies, and special effects. What’s more, it will also provide seed funding to launch paid creative startups or support content ideas.
The incubator will also be supported by the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.
“Detroit has always been the blueprint for innovation, from the assembly line to Motown,” said Shawn H. Wilson, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan president and CEO, in the news release. “This collaboration — especially with two heavy-hitter alumni — extends that legacy by proving the creative economy can be a pathway to ownership and equity. Together, with our amazing partners, we’re transforming talent into capital and creativity into generational wealth.”
Usher commented:
“I’ve always been a true believer in igniting a spark in the next generation to be better and have access to things we didn’t. This new spark lab in Detroit with my friend and fellow Boys & Girls Club alum Big Sean will not only minimize the access gap for the youth but also prepare them for greatness. It takes just one person to believe in your success, and I’m honored to be one of many in this partnership to help make that happen.”
Big Sean’s involvement with Boys & Girls Club extends beyond his alum experience. Since 2018, he has made five investments to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan alongside the Sean Anderson Foundation. This has benefitted more than 10,000 youth and provided them with gateways into recording, production, DJing, and drumline.
“Detroit is where my creativity was born. From freestyling in my mom’s basement to performing on the biggest stages in the world. My mission has always been to make sure the next generation of dreamers and innovators from my city have the access, tools, and mentorship to do the same,” said Big Sean in the news release. “The Innovation Incubator is about showing young people that they don’t have to leave Detroit to chase opportunity, they can build it right here.”
