Detroit awards $310,000 to 30 legacy businesses in Round 2 of Detroit Legacy Business Project

• 30 legacy businesses receive grants totaling $310,000 

• Recipients include businesses operating in Detroit for 30+ years across all seven council districts 

• Awards include one $50,000 grant, 14 $15,000 grants and 15 microgrants ($2,500-$5,000) 

• Round 2 introduces new microgrant program to support smaller legacy businesses 

  
  

December 4, 2025 (DETROIT) — Detroit Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, The City of Detroit and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) today announced 30 grant recipients for Round 2 of the Detroit Legacy Business Project at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, awarding $310,000 to businesses that have served Detroit neighborhoods for three decades or more. 

The recipients represent iconic establishments across all seven council districts, ranging from century-old institutions to neighborhood anchors that have helped shape the city’s cultural identity. The grants will fund equipment upgrades, technology improvements, building beautification and professional services to help these legacy businesses thrive for generations to come. 

Michigan’s small business sector employs 1.9 million people, representing nearly half of the state’s private workforce. Detroit’s Legacy Business Project supports this economic base by making sure established businesses have the resources to navigate ownership transitions and capitalize on growth opportunities. 

“The Detroit Legacy Business Project recognizes businesses that have been the backbone of our neighborhoods for generations,” said Sheffield. “These 30 grant recipients have demonstrated resilience and commitment to Detroit through decades of service. This investment ensures they can continue anchoring our communities and creating opportunities for residents.” 

Microgrants expand program reach 

Round 2 introduced 15 microgrants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, expanding support to smaller legacy businesses. The complete award breakdown includes one $50,000 grant, 14 $15,000 grants and 15 microgrants distributed across Detroit’s neighborhoods. A full list of recipients can be found at the end of the release. 

The program tackles a critical national trend as many successful business owners approach retirement age. Nearly two-thirds of family-owned businesses lack documented succession plans, making Detroit’s proactive support especially valuable for business continuity and neighborhood stability. 

Lauren Stovall, whose family operates the 104-year-old Hot Sam’s – Detroit’s and Michigan’s oldest men’s clothier – served as a catalyst for launching the project due to her consulting experience with legacy businesses. Stovall said legacy businesses deserve recognition as a unique sector within Detroit’s small business community. 

“There’s always more we can do as a community to honor and support legacy businesses,” said Stovall. “This program is just one of many ways we can honor and serve them by helping to preserve businesses that have shaped Detroit’s identity for generations.” 

Recipients span diverse sectors and histories 

Grant recipients include longstanding institutions like the Detroit Edge Tool Company , The J W Westcott Company and Enterprise Uniform Company. The awards also support neighborhood favorites including barbershops, restaurants, manufacturing firms and retail shops that have served their communities for multiple generations. 

“These businesses are economic engines, job creators, and cultural assets to our community,” said Justin Onwenu, Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity for the City of Detroit. “I grew up in a small business family and know how far the right support can go. Legacy businesses shape the identity of our neighborhoods and drive real economic activity. This investment helps them upgrade, innovate and stay competitive.” 

The microgrant program features streamlined application requirements and first-come, first-served selection for eligible applicants, making funding more accessible to smaller businesses. These investments help legacy businesses upgrade equipment, enhance their facilities and implement technology improvements that set them up for continued success. 

Investments support community anchors citywide 

Recipients operate in neighborhoods across Detroit, from the Livernois Avenue of Fashion to Jefferson Avenue, from Mexicantown to the east side. The geographic spread reflects the program’s commitment to supporting legacy businesses wherever they serve Detroit residents. 

“Detroit’s legacy businesses have weathered economic challenges and remained committed to our city,” said Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services for the DEGC. “These investments recognize their contributions and provide resources to help them continue serving as cornerstones in our neighborhoods.” 

Grant recipients will use the funding for various improvements, including equipment upgrades, technology enhancements, building renovations, marketing initiatives and professional services. These investments are designed to strengthen business operations while preserving the character and community connections that make each establishment unique. 

Business owners can learn more about the Detroit Legacy Business Project at detroitmi.gov/opportunities/detroit-legacy-business-project. 

Detroit Legacy Business Project Round 2 Grant Recipients: 

$50,000 Grant 

• Graham’s Printing, Inc., 8620 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48213 (Council District 5) 

$15,000 Grants 

• Peace funeral home, 19530 west 7 mile rd, Detroit, MI 48219 (Council District 1) 

• Uptown BBQ, 15700 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48238 (Council District 2) 

• simplycasual clothingstore, 19123 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221 (Council District 2) 

• Detroit Edge Tool Company, 6570 E Nevada, Detroit, MI 48234 (Council District 3) 

• Crossroads Learning Center, 2441 East 7 Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48234 (Council District 3) 

• Situations Hair & Nails Salon, 17210 Harper Ave, Detroit, MI 48224 (Council District 4) 

• The Roostertail, 100 Marquette Drive, Detroit, MI 48214 (Council District 5) 

• The J W Westcott Company, 12 24th Street, Detroit, MI 48216 (Council District 6) 

• Simmons & Clark Jewelers, 1535 Broadway, Detroit, MI 48226 (Council District 6) 

• Peoples Brothers Bakery, 2765 S Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48335 (Council District 6) 

• N’Namdi Gallery, 52 East Forest Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 (Council District 6) 

• Lager House, 1254 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 (Council District 6) 

• Source Booksellers, 4240 Cass Ave Ste 105, Detroit, MI 48201 (Council District 6) 

• Aluminum Supply Co., 14359 Meyers Rd, Detroit, MI 48227 (Council District 7) 

$5,000 Microgrants 

• Bob’s Pizza Palace, 20510 W 7 Mile, Detroit, MI 48219 (Council District 1) 

• King Pharmacy, 12871 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48215 (Council District 4) 

• Enterprise Uniform Company, 2862 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 (Council District 5) 

• Maurice’s hi tech automotive service, LLC, 57 Harper Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 (Council District 5) 

• Smitty’s Barber Shop, 19629 Joy Rd., Detroit, MI 48228 (Council District 7) 

$2,500 Microgrants 

• Jo’s Gallery 2, 19376 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221 (Council District 2) 

• Dixon’s Barber shop, 18937 Livenois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221 (Council District 2) 

• Master Brakes, 10960 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48214 (Council District 4) 

• Delroys First Place Lounge, 16921 Harper Avenue, Detroit, MI 48224 (Council District 4) 

• Elbow Lounge, 7310 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48214 (Council District 5) 

• People’s Restaurant Equipment Company, 2209-2211 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 (Council District 5) 

• Mexicantown Bakery, 4300 West Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209 (Council District 6) 

• The Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 (Council District 6) 

• Ray’s B. Collision, Inc., 14516 Joy Rd, Detroit, MI 48228 (Council District 7) 

• Detroit Fence Company, 19444 Plymouth, Detroit, MI 48228 (Council District 7)