Motor City Match, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at turning Detroit residents into thriving entrepreneurs, is now accepting applications for its Round 24 awards, with a total of up to $1.5 million up for grabs. This opportunity is available to up to 40 ambitious Detroit-based entrepreneurs seeking to establish new brick-and-mortar locations or enhance their existing businesses.

To be considered, applications must be submitted between June 1 and July 3, 2023, at: https://apply.motorcitymatch.com/submit. For those interested, informational sessions will be hosted by program officials in June.

In August 2022, funding for Motor City Match increased from $500,000 in quarterly grants to $1 million specifically designated for new businesses. Furthermore, the program now offers grants of up to $500,000 to existing Detroit businesses that have operated from a brick-and-mortar space for at least one year. This expanded opportunity has become possible through the approval of $15 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, as supported by the Detroit City Council.

Motor City Match offers comprehensive support across five tracks: Plan, Develop, Design, Cash and Restore. The program provides Detroit entrepreneurs with essential resources such as business planning classes, assistance in site selection, financial planning guidance, legal aid, design services and financial support to bridge any gaps.

Since its establishment in 2015, Motor City Match has made awards to nearly 1,7000 businesses. These grants have resulted in the emergence of 148 new brick-and-mortar establishments throughout the city of Detroit.