Detroit Legacy Business Project honors 16 historic small businesses with more than $300,000 in grants

• City distributes $310,000 in grants to support Detroit’s historic small businesses at Detroit Historical Museum ceremony

• Sixteen businesses receive awards: two $50,000 citywide grants and fourteen $15,000 district-specific grants

• Recipients include iconic establishments ranging from bakeries and barbershops to dance academies and theaters

• Program supports businesses that have operated in Detroit for 30+ years and shaped the city’s cultural identity

MARCH 5, 2025 (DETROIT) — The City of Detroit celebrated 16 long-standing small businesses at an awards reception Wednesday evening, distributing more than $300,000 in grants through the newly established Detroit Legacy Business Project (DLBP). The ceremony, held at the Detroit Historical Museum, recognized businesses that have operated in the city for 30 years or more and contributed significantly to Detroit’s cultural identity.

City Council President Mary Sheffield, Deputy Mayor Melia Howard and officials from the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and City of Detroit presented awards to the recipients. The awards included two $50,000 citywide grants and 14 $15,000 grants, with two businesses selected from each of Detroit’s seven council districts.

“The Detroit Legacy Business Project is an opportunity to intentionally recognize long-standing businesses in the community and infuse them with financial capital that can be used for infrastructure improvements, technical support and more,” said Sheffield. “Businesses that have been operating in Detroit for 30 years or more have contributed to the cultural fabric of our City, and I am proud to have sponsored such an initiative. Detroit needs a bustling small business economy and I am committed to implementing programs that contribute to that growth.”

The DLBP, launched in November 2024, aims to sustain long-standing small businesses that have shaped Detroit’s culture for three decades or longer. Beyond financial assistance, the program established Detroit’s first Legacy Business Registry to recognize and support qualifying businesses.

Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services at the DEGC, which manages the program, emphasized the importance of these establishments to Detroit’s economic and cultural landscape.

“These businesses are community institutions that have provided jobs, mentorship and stability in our neighborhoods when we needed them most,” Gray said. “This investment recognizes their commitment and helps ensure they remain fixtures in our city for generations to come.”

Lauren Stovall, founder of the Institute Legacy Preservation, Inc., whose advocacy helped create the program, introduced each award recipient. Stovall, daughter of Tony Stovall who is co-owner of Hot Sam’s, one of Detroit’s oldest legacy businesses, described the awardees as cultural assets that preserve Detroit’s authentic history.

“Tonight, we are not just recognizing these legacy businesses but honoring them for their contribution to the city and the community,” said Stovall. “Legacy businesses are more than stores and shops, they are seeds with deep roots in the soil of this city, and they are the foundation upon which we build. So tonight is also about seeing them right as the cornerstones that they are.”

The grant funds will support various business improvements, including inventory expansion, equipment purchases, building beautification and business consulting services. Justin Onwenu, Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity for the City of Detroit, highlighted the economic impact of legacy businesses and noted that the program aligns with broader economic development initiatives.”

“Legacy businesses are crucial job creators, and we must invest in businesses that have built Detroit’s foundation,” Onwenu said. “These grants represent our commitment to inclusive economic growth that honors our past while building toward our future.”

The ceremony concluded with a group photo of all recipients alongside City officials and program supporters. A networking reception followed, allowing business owners to connect with city leaders and support organizations.

“The Detroit Historical Society is honored to host the inaugural Detroit Legacy Business Award reception, celebrating and recognizing the enduring businesses that have significantly shaped our city's history, culture and community,” said Elana Rugh, president and CEO of the Detroit Historical Society. “Detroit's long-standing businesses are more than economic contributors; they are the heartbeat of neighborhoods, sources of civic pride and living testaments to resilience and innovation.”

The 2025 Detroit Legacy Business Project grant recipients are:

• Sweet Potato Sensations ($50,000)

  • A family-owned bakery specializing in sweet potato-based treats for over 30 years

  • Founded in 1987

  • Council District 1

  • 17337 Lahser Rd., 48219
    

• House of Morrison Shoe Repair LLC ($50,000)

  • A professional shoe repair business preserving traditional craftsmanship

  • Founded in 1954

  • Council District 2

  • 18933 Livernois, 48221
    

• Hair It Iz - The Beauty School (HIITBS) ($15,000)

  • A beauty school providing education and workforce development in Detroit

  • Founded in 1993

  • Council District 1

  • 19320 West McNichols, 48219
    

• Arrow Office Supply Co. ($15,000)

  • A long-standing office supply store serving Detroit businesses since 1946

  • Founded in 1946

  • Council District 1

  • 17005 Grand River Ave, 48227
    

• Mac Galleries LLC ($15,000)

  • An art gallery supporting young artists and showcasing diverse creative works

  • Founded in 1991

  • Council District 2

  • 18943 Livernois, 48221
    

• Chapman’s Jewelry & Gifts ($15,000)

  • A jewelry and gift shop with a legacy of craftsmanship and customer service

  • Founded in 1964

  • Council District 2

  • 10535 W 7 Mile Road, 48221
    

• Shantinique Music and Sportswear ($15,000)

  • A retail store offering music, apparel, and sportswear products

  • Founded in 1974

  • Council District 3

  • 8933 Harper Avenue 48213
    

• Nunns Bar B Que restaurant II ($15,000)

  • A barbecue restaurant known for its rich flavors and community ties

  • Founded in 1984

  • Council District 3

  • 19196 Conant, 48234
    

• Royal Skateland ($15,000)

  • A roller-skating rink providing family-friendly recreational activities

  • Founded in 1974

  • Council District 4

  • 5201 Alter Road, 48224
    

• Harry’s Barbershop ($15,000)

  • A neighborhood barbershop delivering quality grooming services

  • Founded in 1977

  • Council District 4

  • 14512 Mack Avenue, 48215
    

• Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy (DWDA) ($15,000)

  • A dance academy fostering artistic expression and physical fitness

  • Founded in 1984

  • Council District 5

  • 3031 W. Grand Blvd., Ste 260, 48202
    

• Detroit Repertory Theatre ($15,000)

  • A longstanding theatre showcasing diverse and impactful performances

  • Founded in 1957

  • Council District 5

  • 13103 Woodrow Wilson St., 48238
    

• RollerCade ($15,000)

  • Detroit’s oldest Black-owned roller rink, offering entertainment for all ages

  • Founded in 1955

  • Council District 6

  • 2130 S. Schaefer Hwy, 48217
    

• Cafe D’Mongo Speakeasy ($15,000)

  • A speakeasy-style bar known for its vintage ambiance and live music

  • Founded in 1984

  • Council District 6

  • 1439 Griswold, 48226
    

• Gigi’s ($15,000)

  • An iconic LGTQ+ nightlife venue offering entertainment and performances

  • Founded in 1973

  • Council District 7

  • 16920 W Warren, 48228
    

• Baker’s Bible and Bookstore Inc. ($15,000)

  • A bookstore providing religious literature and educational materials

  • Founded in 1993

  • Council District 7

  • 10200 Grand River Ave, 48204
    

Applications for the inaugural DLBP grants opened November 21, 2024, and closed December 23, 2024. Recipients were selected based on their longevity, cultural significance, and community impact.

For more information about the Detroit Legacy Business Project and a complete list of grant recipients, visit detroitmi.gov/opportunities/detroit-legacy-business-project.

About Detroit Economic Growth Corporation 

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.