Image courtesy of Motor City Match
In a city renowned for its resilience and reinvention, Annette Anderson stands out as a catalyst for change. On city billboards and commercials, a devoted mother, skilled nurse, and ambitious entrepreneur, Anderson has woven her passions into 1st Step Healthcare Training, a transformative hub for healthcare education in Detroit.
With the support of Motor City Match, Black Business Alliance and QT Business Solutions she has built more than just a business; she’s created a community where aspiring healthcare workers find not only training but a pathway to meaningful careers. Anderson’s mission is clear, to empower Detroiters to step confidently into the future, one healthcare professional at a time.
“It still feels surreal when I get phone calls and text messages, and people stop me, and they see me. I envisioned this day happening. I just didn’t see it happening so soon,” Anderson said.
“And it makes me feel good because I know where my beginning was, and I know that I’m serving my purpose by allowing other young men and young women, or even older men and older women, especially those who are Black and Brown, to see like, it doesn’t matter where you came from, you make it to wherever you want to go. So that makes me really happy.”
Born and raised in Detroit, Anderson has always had a passion for healthcare and education. After spending years in the field, she recognized a pressing need for accessible, high-quality training programs for entry-level healthcare positions.
Image courtesy of Motor City Match
After being an RN since 20017, Anderson founded 1st Step Healthcare Training to bridge the gap for residents seeking careers as certified nursing assistants (CNAs), home health aides, and medical assistants.
Today, Anderson teaches the technical aspects of healthcare and instills confidence and resilience in her students, enabling them to navigate the healthcare industry’s complexities. Her work is a testament to the transformative impact of education and community support on economic growth in Detroit.
“I have been in healthcare for 13 years, and I started off as a CNA 13 years ago, and branched out to become a registered nurse. And over these last few years, healthcare has just changed, especially since COVID; they stopped requiring nursing assistants to be certified to work in these establishments,” Anderson said.
“I started seeing a huge lack in patient care, patient empathy, and compassion. I was like, Okay, I have to do something to change the dynamics because healthcare is not right.”
1st Step Healthcare Training provides rigorous programs, small class sizes, and hands-on learning opportunities. Anderson’s approach has garnered attention for its high job placement rates and emphasis on student support.
The road to establishing her healthcare training center wasn’t easy. Starting out, Anderson faced challenges such as securing funding and finding a suitable location for her business. That’s when Motor City Match, a Detroit-based program that connects entrepreneurs with resources, stepped in by way of QT Business Solutions, Inc. COO Tina Williams, who helped Anderson write her business plan.
“She told me about it (Motor City Match), and I took the business plan that her company helped me write, and I submitted my application with her assistance, and next thing you know, I was going to the Motor City match orientation, the conferences they were having, the events they were having, and learning more about it,” Anderson said.
Through Motor City Match, Anderson gained financial support and technical assistance, enabling her to establish a fully equipped training facility at Henry Ford’s Northwest Medical Center. With classrooms, simulation labs, and state-of-the-art equipment, Anderson’s 1st Step Healthcare Training is now a comprehensive hub for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Madison Schillig, Motor City Match Program Director, mentions how much has been invested in local businesses throughout Detroit, just like Anderson’s.
“Through Motor City Match, we’ve proudly invested $19.1 million in grants to support Detroit’s entrepreneurs like Annette,” Schillig said.
“Supporting the dreams of small business owners across our city isn’t just our mission – it’s our privilege. We’re excited to be part of Annette’s entrepreneurial journey and look forward to her continued success.”
Motor City Match continues to be an invaluable resource for Detroiters, “All Because (they) Live in Detroit,” providing essential funding and guiding Anderson in building a sustainable business. By harnessing the power of entrepreneurship, Anderson is creating new opportunities in the healthcare industry, contributing to both workforce development and community revitalization in Detroit.
“When I found out that I won, I was like, Wow! I was just so grateful because that’s what I already put into my business to help me grow it. And that just helped me out so tremendously,” Anderson said.
“I owe Motor City Match so much for helping me out to open in business and get my doors open and keeping my doors open.”
Since its establishment, 1st Step Healthcare Training has trained over 40 students, many of whom have gone on to work in local hospitals, nursing homes, and private care settings. Anderson’s program is particularly focused on helping underserved populations, offering scholarships and flexible schedules for working adults.
Anderson’s efforts have earned her recognition as a leader in Detroit’s small business ecosystem. She continues to expand her services, recently launching partnerships with local healthcare providers to offer internships and job placements.
As for what’s next, Anderson has her sights set on the official grand opening in January 2025 and is looking to continue expanding her business and giving scholarships to those who need them to pursue their education in the healthcare field. As she continues to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, her dedication shines brightly as a testament to the spirit of innovation and hope in her community.
“Detroit is the best place to open up a business because there are so many different opportunities,” Anderson said.
“So far, since I’ve opened my door, I have graduated nine classes. I’m on my tenth class right now. I just introduced a new program, phlebotomy. I just introduced EKG Technician (courses), which is coming in January. “I’m just looking forward to continuing to introduce programs because each student that I see comes into my classroom, and I get a chance to educate, train, and help get employed.”
Interested in registering for a scholarship or to learn more information about what courses are offered, visit https://firststephealthcaretraining.com/
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