Northwest Wayne News

The City of Detroit has announced that 14 small businesses within the Gratiot/7 Mile Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF) area have been awarded grants to improve their storefronts. The grants, which are part of the G7 Facade Improvement Program, provide businesses with up to $35,000 each to upgrade their exteriors.

The G7 Facade Improvement Program, launched in April 2023, aims to enhance the visual appeal of businesses in three Detroit microdistricts - Gratiot/Liberal, Gratiot/McNichols, and Houston-Whittier/Kelly. The program funds various upgrades, including architectural feature replacement, new signage, exterior lighting, and window repair.

"These grants are an opportunity for businesses in the Gratiot/7 Mile area to enhance their physical locations and create a more inviting environment for customers," said City of Detroit Planning and Development Director Antoine Bryant. "Our goal is to support the growth and revitalization of small businesses, which are the economic drivers of our neighborhoods."

The grants are made possible through a collaboration between the City of Detroit, Invest Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), and Fifth Third Bank as part of the SNF initiative. The program aims to make the G7 microdistricts more vibrant and walkable by improving business storefronts along designated corridors.

Jermaine Ruffin, Senior Vice President of Neighborhoods for Invest Detroit, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in the success of the SNF initiative. "Their work on this effort has already led to 14 facade awards and is part of SNF's commitment to supporting projects and programs identified by the community to achieve our mission of more resilient neighborhoods across Detroit," Ruffin said.

The G7 Facade Improvement Program also connects business owners with licensed contractors to collaborate on customized upgrades. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2024, further enhancing the visual appeal of the Gratiot/7 Mile area.

"The DEGC has seen the incredible transformations businesses can make when given the opportunity and resources for facade improvements," said Sean Gray, DEGC Vice President of Small Business Services. "We aim to revitalize entire microdistricts to showcase Detroit at its best."

Interested businesses within the Gratiot/7 Mile microdistricts are encouraged to apply for the remaining grants before the December 31st deadline. Eligible businesses must operate an active, non-chain commercial business within the designated microdistricts. The grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City of Detroit and its partners have been proactive in providing information and guidance to potential applicants. Community partners, including Detroit Community Solutions, Osborn Neighborhood Association, and Redeem Detroit, have held informational sessions to assist interested business owners.

To apply for the grants or learn more about the program, business owners can visit the official G7 Facade Improvement Program website at: https://tinyurl.com/G7Facade. Licensed contractors interested in providing services for business owners can apply at: https://foms.gle/kdLGw1WcBfETGSwy7.

The G7 Facade Improvement Program is part of a larger public-private investment plan for the Gratiot/7 Mile area. The plan aims to create a vibrant and inclusive Detroit neighborhood, focusing on green spaces, new housing, better commercial areas, and neighborhood stabilization. Over the next five years, the area will undergo comprehensive improvements supported by resources including $5 million from Fifth Third Bank.

The City of Detroit remains committed to supporting small businesses and fostering economic growth in the Gratiot/7 Mile area. The G7 Facade Improvement Program is just one of the initiatives aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and creating a more prosperous future for Detroit.

To learn more, click on this link: https://detroitmi.gov/news/detroit-businesses-gratiot7-mile-strategic-neighborhood-fund-area-get-financial-boost-facade