- U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence announced vote in favor of $6 million omnibus bill to enhance 10 community projects across metro
- Detroit Detroit Economic Growth Corporation funds earmarked for its small business support program to provide continued support to Detroit small businesses
Detroit (March 28, 2022) — The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) today announced it will receive $200,000 in community project funding for its Detroit Means Business (DMB) small business support program. The announcement comes after U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence stated a vote in favor of HR 2471, which consists of 10 Community Project Funding Requests to address various community needs across metro Detroit.
“This investment helps reinforce and advance the mission of both DEGC and Detroit Means Business to support inclusive economic development,” said Kevin Johnson, President & CEO, DEGC. “It allows us to ensure Detroit is the place for small business owners to succeed. This funding will help us continue to deliver tangible resources to thousands of Detroit small businesses, as well as provide support, create jobs and improve the economic well-being of our community.”
The funding will be used to achieve DMB’s goal of helping 5,000 existing small businesses achieve a 50 percent increase in revenue from pre-COVID baseline.
“As the Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to have voted for this funding bill that reflects the values and priorities of Michiganders,” said Rep. Lawrence. “I’m especially excited that this bill includes all 10 Community Project Funding Requests for the district, which will strengthen our water systems, support our small businesses and hospitals, and improve our community spaces,” said Rep. Lawrence.
The 10 Community Project Funding Requests included in the omnibus are:
- Detroit Means Business
- Veterans Park and Hamtramck Stadium Restroom Renovation Project
- Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Technology Improvements
- Holocaust Memorial Center Education Programs
- McLaren Oakland Hospital Machine Purchase
- Pontiac Water System Improvement
- Royal Oak Township Water System Improvement
- Centrepolis Accelerator
- Ceasefire Detroit
- Oak Park Body Worn/In Car Camera
Detroit Means Business was established to support Detroit’s small business community during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, it has helped facilitate access to $742 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, disbursed more than $18 million in cash grants to Detroit businesses, and provided over 6,000 free Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits to businesses.
“During the pandemic more than 60 coalition partners came together to help neighborhood businesses survive the crisis,” said Johnson. “Since then, we’ve been able to pivot, moving from helping businesses survive to helping them stabilize and thrive.”
The full text of the HR 2471 spending package is available here.
About Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity. Follow DEGC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Learn more at www.degc.org.
About Detroit Means Business
Detroit Means Business (DMB) was established for Detroit small businesses navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides access to resources, information and experts to ensure businesses can survive the initial business trauma, successfully reopen and operate in a way that ensures the health and safety of employees and customers. This program is being led by the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and was conceived by a collaboration of the City of Detroit, corporate enterprises, private foundations, as well as philanthropic and nonprofit sector leaders. Learn more at www.detroitmeansbusiness.org.
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