Detroit Startup Week kicks off for up and coming entrepreneurs

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A welcoming environment for entrepreneurs - it's the idea behind Detroit Startup Week and a key for the city's recovery.

You will find big names from the business world hosting events all week long in the first ever startup week for the city.

Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Co. Bill Ford says the key to creating a strong business, is always dreaming up new ideas.

"By the end of the year we'll have the largest test fleet of autonomous vehicles of any OEM on the road," Ford said. "The best advice that I got and will give to other people is to always remain curious as a person. Because so many executives get to where they think they've made it, and they shut down."

This week at the inaugural Detroit Start up week, he is passing along his best tips to new business hopefuls.

"I love that young people are moving to the city of Detroit, and to me," he said. "That's a real bell weather of the health of the city. There's an energy here and a spirit here that's just contagious."

Andrew Androff is one of hundreds looking to take advantage of all start up week has to offer, from free head shots to urban tours.

"This is an awesome opportunity," he said. "We're launching our new brand, MovingCalculator.com. It's a one stop place where you can go online, and in 30 seconds, you can get a price range for your move."

New ideas have a place to grow at the five-day event, going through Friday at the Masonic Temple.

FOX 2: "What's your best advice for people trying to start up a business?"

"Stay with it because it's worth it in the end," Ford said. "It takes perseverance. There's going to be setbacks. And you're going to worry week to week about can I make payroll.

"If you really believe passionately in something and you believe that not only the product but also the business case makes a lot of sense, then just pour the coals on go as fast and as hard as you possibly can."

And he says always, stay curious.

If you'd like to get involved, there's a whole list of activities, workshops and events at detroit.startupweek.co