EIR Office Hours: Product Growth

Special sessions available to help you navigate product development and business growth with Entrepreneur in Residence April Anderson.

April Anderson, a native of Detroit, is a highly accomplished professional. A graduate of Chadsey High School, Anderson holds both a Bachelor of Science degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In September 2013, Anderson, along with its spouse, Michelle Anderson, established their inaugural bakery in Detroit on the historic Avenue of Fashion. The mission of Good Cakes and Bakes is to provide high-quality, wholesome, and organic baked goods in an environment that fosters positivity, creativity, education, and friendliness towards both employees and the community. Prioritizing the hiring of returning citizens from the community and ensuring livable wages are key aspects of their business philosophy.

In April 2015, along with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Kresge Foundation President Rip Rapson, and former President Bill Clinton, April participated in the Clinton Global Initiative America’s closing plenary session, Comeback Cities. This event explored Detroit and highlighted its local businesses. In 2017, April pitched and won the top prize in the inaugural Detroit Demo Day Competition. In 2018, April was honored with the distinction of being a Pastry Chef for the James Beard Media Awards (New York City). She is also a 2018 James Beard Foundation Chef Boot Camp alumna. In 2019, April, along with her mother, appeared live on The Today Show in New York City. April is a 2022 James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership alumna. In 2023, Good Cakes and Bakes was recognized as a James Beard Foundation Semifinalist for “Outstanding Bakery.”

April has baked for several celebrities including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Kamala Harris, former president Bill Clinton and several other prominent figures. April holds seats on the boards of several organizations dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. She serves as the Chair for the Funding board for Black Leaders Detroit, the Lending Board for ProsperUS Detroit, and the Board of Directors for DEGA/DEGC.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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