Detroit invests $310,000 in 30 legacy businesses in Round 3 of Detroit Legacy Business Project

•        30 legacy businesses receive grants totaling $310,000

•        Recipients include businesses operating in Detroit for 30+ years

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

•        Round 3 awardees announced at an evening reception at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Thursday, March 26

•        The program plans to relaunch its online registry platform later this year, allowing residents to discover and connect with legacy businesses across the city’s neighborhoods

March 26, 2025 (DETROIT) – Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, the City of Detroit and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) tonight announced 30 grant recipients for Round 3 of the Detroit Legacy Business Project at an evening reception at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, awarding $310,000 to businesses that have served Detroit neighborhoods for three decades or more.

The recipients include iconic establishments across the city, from legendary jazz venues and barbershops to pharmacies, tire shops and specialty retailers. The grants will fund equipment upgrades, technology improvements, building beautification and professional services to help these 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 ensuring established businesses have the resources to navigate ownership transitions and capitalize on growth opportunities.

“Thirty years in Detroit is not an accident,” said Sheffield. “These businesses stayed through hard times, kept their doors open and kept serving their neighbors. This investment is how we make sure the next 30 years are just as strong.”

Awardees have a rich Detroit history

Round 3 recipients represent some of Detroit’s most storied commercial institutions. The cohort includes Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, widely recognized as the world’s longest-running jazz club; American Coney Island, a downtown Detroit landmark since 1917; Henry the Hatter, the nation’s oldest hat retailer with roots stretching back to 1893; and Cliff Bell’s, the beloved art deco jazz and supper club that anchors the city’s downtown entertainment scene.

The full award breakdown includes one $50,000 grant, 14 $15,000 grants and 15 microgrants. A full list of recipients is available at the end of this release.

“Walk through this list and you are reading Detroit history,” said DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson. “Some of these businesses have been part of this city longer than anyone can remember. This program exists to make sure that history has a future.”

The program also addresses a critical national trend: nearly two-thirds of family-owned businesses lack documented succession plans, making proactive support especially valuable for long-term business continuity and neighborhood stability.

Lauren Stovall, whose family operates Detroit’s oldest men’s clothier, Hot Sam’s, served as a catalyst for launching the Detroit Legacy Business Project through her decades of consulting experience with legacy businesses. Stovall said the depth of Round 3’s cohort demonstrates the City’s commitment to supporting legacy businesses.

“Detroit has always had these businesses. What it didn’t always have was a program built specifically to fight for them,” said Lauren Stovall. “Every round, we’re reaching more legacy businesses. That tells me the community understands what is at stake, and so does the city.”

Microgrant awards continue in Round 3

The microgrant component of Round 3 continues a program feature introduced in Round 2, offering awards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 with streamlined application requirements and first-come, first-served selection for eligible applicants. The structure makes funding more accessible to smaller legacy businesses that may lack the administrative capacity to pursue larger grant opportunities.

“Too many legacy businesses close not because they failed, but because they never got the support they needed to reach the next generation,” said Justin Onwenu, director of the City of Detroit’s Office of Small Business Affairs. “This program is changing that equation. When we invest in a business that has already proven itself, we are investing in the entire neighborhood around it.”

Investments reach businesses across the city

Grant recipients operate in neighborhoods throughout Detroit, from the Avenue of Fashion corridor to downtown, from neighborhood side streets to major commercial thoroughfares. The geographic breadth of Round 3 demonstrates the program’s commitment to serving legacy businesses wherever they are located in the city.

The Detroit Legacy Business Project is also relaunching its online registry platform, which will allow residents to discover and connect with legacy businesses across the city’s neighborhoods. More details on the registry will be announced later this year.

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

Detroit Legacy Business Project Round 3 recipients:

$50,000 Grant

•       Jam Enterprises 3: A Detroit custom apparel and screen-printing business serving the community on E. Warren Avenue.

$15,000 Grants

•       Arthur J. Rohde & Company: A commercial real estate firm based in Detroit’s Rivertown neighborhood along the east riverfront.

•       Maurice’s Hi-Tech Automotive Services: A full-service auto repair shop founded by master mechanic Maurice Wilson, specializing in electrical diagnostics, engine repair and brake service.

•       The Old Miami: A Vietnam veteran-founded dive bar and live music venue in the Cass Corridor that has been a gathering place for veterans, artists and Detroiters since 1980.

•       The Final Kut Barbershop: A neighborhood barbershop providing quality cuts and community connection on Detroit’s east side.

•       Tee Shirts Galore & More LLC: A custom screen printing and apparel business that has served Detroit families, schools and organizations for more than 30 years.

•       Soboh Insurance Agency: An independent insurance agency providing coverage solutions to Detroit residents and businesses.

•       Detroit Fence Co: A locally owned residential and commercial fencing contractor serving Detroit and surrounding communities since 1990.

•       Cliff Bell’s: An iconic Art Deco jazz and supper club founded in 1935 that was meticulously restored in 2005 and continues to anchor downtown Detroit’s live music scene.

•       Hood Tire & Service Center LLC: A neighborhood tire shop and auto service center that has kept Detroiters safely on the road since 1957.

•       Hats Galore & More: Detroit’s first Black-owned hat store, founded in 1993 on Gratiot Avenue by Robert “The Hatman” Yeargin, offering the widest selection of fedoras and dress hats in the state.

•       M & D Pharmacy Inc.: An independent community pharmacy on Mack Avenue that has served Detroit’s east side neighborhoods for decades.

•       Bob’s Pizza Palace: A beloved west-side pizzeria that has been crafting fresh-dough, secret-recipe pies for Detroit families since 1966.

•       Sucher Tire: Detroit’s oldest continuously operated tire and wheel dealer, founded in 1922 and now in its fourth generation of family ownership.

•       Dixon’s 3rd Generation Barbershop: A community barbershop that has provided quality haircuts and a welcoming space for Detroiters since 1969.

$5,000 Microgrants

•       Nemo’s Bar: A Corktown institution and beloved Detroit sports bar that has been serving fans, neighbors and community members since 1965.

•       American Coney Island: A downtown Detroit landmark founded in 1917 by Greek immigrant Gust Keros, serving its signature Coney dogs from the same corner for more than a century.

•       Baker’s Keyboard Lounge: The world’s oldest continuously operating jazz club, founded in 1934 on Livernois Avenue and home to legendary performances by Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane and countless others.

•       Henry The Hatter: The nation’s oldest hat retailer, established in Detroit in 1893, whose signature headwear has been worn by everyone from autoworkers to President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

•       Stricklen’s Tax Service: A Detroit tax preparation and financial services firm that has helped residents and small businesses navigate their finances for decades.

$2,500 Microgrants

•       Infinity Marketing & Printing: A full-service printing and marketing business that has provided design, print and promotional products to Detroit-area clients for more than 30 years.

•       The Last Tangle Hair Salon: A full-service hair and beauty salon established in 1990 in downtown Detroit, offering a broad range of haircare and accessory services.

•       Terry’s Wigs and Lashes: A Detroit beauty boutique specializing in wigs, lashes and hair accessories for the local community.

•       Casablanca Dry: A neighborhood dry cleaning and garment care business that has served Detroit customers for generations.

•       Maximized Security Systems: A Detroit-based security systems company providing installation and monitoring solutions for homes and businesses.

•       Andrews & Hardy Funeral Home: A family-owned funeral home established in 1933 on Gratiot Avenue, providing compassionate burial, cremation and memorial services to Detroit families.

•       Porter Bottle Company: A long-standing Detroit beverage and bottle supply business serving the local market for decades.

•       Windows Diverse Services: A Detroit window installation and home improvement company providing quality services to residential and commercial clients.

•       8 Eight Mile Chiropractic Clinic: A chiropractic health clinic on Eight Mile Road offering spinal care and wellness services to Detroit-area patients.

•       Inter City Protective Services: A Detroit-based security and protective services firm that has safeguarded businesses and communities across the city for decades.

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC)

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation 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.