Nearly $1 million in grants awarded to 18 new businesses at Round 26 Awards ceremony.
New Detroit ventures include a neighborhood grocery market, reflexology center, virtual reality center and Detroit’s first premier rage room.
In Round 26, 83% are minority-owned businesses; 57% are women-owned businesses; and 67% are businesses owned by Detroit residents.
The program has dispersed more than $18.1 million in grants to new and existing businesses since 2016.
MAY 10, 2024 (DETROIT) – In a boost to Detroit’s entrepreneurial landscape, Mayor Mike Duggan and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) have awarded $890,000 in grants to 18 local businesses as part of the 26th round of the Motor City Match program. These grants will support opening nearly two dozen new storefronts across the city, further contributing to Detroit’s economic revitalization.
The 18 new businesses will be located across 17 Detroit neighborhoods, including Riverbend, Nolan, Bethune Community, Wade and Bagley (full list located at the end of release). The latest group of Motor City Match recipients includes an assortment of businesses and services, including a neighborhood grocery market, Detroit’s first premier rage room, a reflexology center and several restaurants.
“When we started Motor City Match, people had doubts that many entrepreneurs would be interested in opening in Detroit, but the success of the program has shown just the opposite,” said Mayor Duggan. “We already have nearly 170 Motor City Match businesses that have opened with dozens more under construction. I am so proud of the 18 entrepreneurs who now will be able to realize their dream in Round 26 and bring more great services and experiences to 17 different neighborhoods in our City.”
Program impact doubled through federal ARPA dollars.
In addition to the $890,000 in grants to help the 18 new brick-and-mortar businesses open, 11 existing small businesses were awarded a total of $251,000 to make physical improvements to their existing space, bringing the total investment into small businesses in this round to $1.1 million.
“Motor City Match grants are a catalyst for turning the entrepreneurial dreams of Detroiters into reality,” said DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson. “We eagerly anticipate the positive transformations these grants will have in our neighborhoods.”
President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a major source of funding for Motor City Match grants. The injection of ARPA dollars has enabled the program to double its quarterly grant awards to $1 million per round, assisting even more entrepreneurs in renovating and revitalizing their spaces. Since Round 20, this influx of $9.1 million has empowered local business owners to pursue their aspirations while uplifting the wider Detroit community. By leveraging federal funding, Motor City Match continues to open doors for small businesses across the city.
The program also offered awards to 48 more entrepreneurs in its Business Plan, Develop and Design tracks in addition to the grants. These awards offer essential support for Detroit businesses still working on their projects, including business services, training and one-on-one advising.
In total, 77 Detroit businesses representing all seven council districts received support from Motor City Match’s 26th round.
“The Motor City Match program isn’t just about economics; it’s an investment in the heart and soul of Detroit. Each small business represents a dream, a legacy, and a beacon of resilience in our community,” said Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield. “By nurturing these enterprises, we cultivate local talent, create job, and weave a tapestry of diversity and innovation that defines our city’s spirit. With over $1 million in funding, they are truly changing lives and making dreams come true.”
Since 2015, Motor City Match has awarded more than 2,019 businesses, resulting in 167 new brick-and-mortar businesses operating throughout the city.
Motor City Match continues to grow Detroit’s small-business landscape
Combined with its other small business programming, DEGC is creating a sustainable small business environment that nurtures new concepts and ideas. Motor City Match offers business owners a wide range of assistance in five tracks Plan, Develop, Design, Cash and Restore. The program helps Detroit entrepreneurs plan, formalize, and launch their business by providing business planning classes, site-selection assistance, financial planning, legal aid, design services and gap funding.
Through 26 rounds of the program:
Total business open: 167
Total businesses under construction: 86
Total cash grants: $18.1 million
Total leveraged investment: $99 million
81 percent are minority-owned businesses
69 percent are women-owned businesses
64 percent are businesses owned by Detroit residents
2,019 total businesses served
About Motor City Match
Motor City Match is a unique partnership between the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (EDC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Competitive financial assistance is supported by a broad partnership of Southeast Michigan community development financial institutions and corporations including, Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, Ford Foundation, Hudson Webber Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, New Economy Initiative and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Motor City Match applications are available quarterly. More information is available at www.MotorCityMatch.com
Motor City Match Round 26 Cash awardees:
Birdie Mae’s Brunch Bar, LLC – $45,000
Restaurant offering American brunch dishes with Cajun Creole flair
17332 Woodward
Grixdale Farms, District 2
Bryant Park Market LLC – $35,000
Neighborhood grocery market committed to serving the Kercheval community with fresh foods, offering locally sourced produce, meats, dairy and international groceries
14840 Kercheval
Riverbend, District 4
DeYoke LLC dba Kimochi Detroit – $35,000
Reflexology center offering a tranquil retreat with a range of therapy services such as reflexology, shiatsu, massage, and sound therapy
1337 Division, Suite 204
Eastern Market, District 5
Hoodymartz LLC – $20,000
Gift shop offering a variety of custom and crafted gift baskets and bundles for all occasions
11015 Whittier
Outer Drive-Hayes, District 4
Immersive Innovations LLC dba Anvio VR Detroit – $40,000
Provides a live, free-roam virtual reality experience with various scenarios, through cutting-edge technology and innovative gameplay
1030 Randolph
Greektown, District 5
Jessica Blair Beauty LLC dba Jessica Blair Beauty Supply – $25,000
Offers a wide range of beauty products and cosmetics while also fostering opportunities for minority-owned beauty brands in Detroit
18724 Grand River
North Rosedale Park, District 1
Kid-E-College Prep LLC – $75,000
Childcare center serving low to moderate-income families in Detroit and surrounding areas
21350 W Seven Mile
Evergreen Lahser 7/8, District 1
New Millenium Books LLC – $20,000
Retail bookstore offering non-fiction, fiction and fantasy novels while also selling leather goods and gifts
7400 W McNichols
Bagley, District 2
Nya Marshall LLC dba ArtPlay – $80,000
Art Play offers refined dining, artisanal cocktails, event spaces, community programs and rooftop wellness activities for an unparalleled upscale experience
9201 E Jefferson
East Village, District 4
Roots Visual Designs L.L.C. dba Detroit Ink Spot – $50,000
Renowned as Detroit’s premier destination for custom body art, specializes in working on melanated skin, serving the community for 8 years with a mission to become an artistic hub
15925 W McNichols
Crary/St. Marys, District 1
RUNdetroit LLC – $50,000
Founded in 2013, RUNdetroit stands as Detroit’s sole running and walking specialty store, offering expert shoe fittings, a curated selection of athletic gear, and free weekly group runs
1948 Division, Suite 105
Eastern Market, District 5
Side Pull Beer Company LLC – $75,000
A brewery with a community-building mission, aims to offer low-ABV beers in its taproom, fostering conversations over a variety of artisanal brews
3143 Bellevue
Islandview, District 5
Simply Roasted – $50,000
A coffee shop and café serving specialty coffee, sandwiches, and delectable desserts
4240 Cass, Suite 107
Midtown, District 6
Technology Partners Group LLC dba Michigan Tech Partners LLC – $50,000
Dialysis training center aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility and support in Detroit
10018 Roseberry
Wade, District 4
The Damage Zone, LLC – $85,000
Detroit’s first premier rage room, providing alternative therapy for emotionally reactive individuals, addressing crime, blight, and stress through destruction therapy
15785 James Couzens Fwy
Bethune Community, District 2
The Debt Survivor LLC – $50,000
Offers small business training services to empower entrepreneurs and support their growth journey
11145 Morang
Yorkshire Woods, District 4
The Ideal Rental Space, LLC dba The Ideal Rental Kitchen and Space – $50,000
A private event space offering extensive amenities, including a full commercial kitchen
2039 E Seven Mile
Nolan, District 3
Twelve Flavorz LLC – $55,000
A startup breakfast restaurant serving creative breakfast dishes with locally sourced ingredients
17343 E Warren
Cornerstone Village, District 4
Motor City Match Round 26 Restore awardees:
Dexter Cash Wash and Vacuum, LLC – $25,000
12740 Dexter
Dexter-Linwood, District 5
Brix Wine & Charcuterie, LLC – $25,000
1588 Franklin St.
Rivertown-Warehouse District, District 5
Dexter Depot LLC – $25,000
10330 Dexter Ave.
Dexter-Linwood, District 5
Irby Enterprises Company dba Balance & Flow Yoga Studio, Inc. – $13,000
18728 W Warren Ave.
Warrendale, District 7
Grand River Capital Investments, Inc dba Little Mary’s Detroit – $25,000
7741 Grand River
Petoskey-Ostego, District 6
The Plymouth Café, Incorporated dba Fusion Flarer Kitchen & Cocktail – $25,000
16801 Plymouth
Joy Community, District 7
MJ’s North End Ice Cream Parlor LLC – $25,000
8801 Oakland
North End, District 5
Unique Auto Body Inc. – $25,000
10301 W. 8 Mile Rd
Pembroke
MNSN, Inc dba Liquor Island – $25,000
11731 Chalmers St.
Eden Gardens, District 4
Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness Center, Inc dba Welcome Home Yoga Wellness Racing Association – $25,000
6375 W Seven Mile Rd.
Bagley, District 2
What’s the Dill – $13,000
4088 W McNichols
University District, District 2
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