Northwest Wayne News

$1.24 million in cash grants were awarded to 23 new businesses during the Round 25 Awards ceremony of Motor City Match in Detroit. The grants, provided by Mayor Mike Duggan and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), will help these businesses open storefronts in various neighborhoods across the city.

Among the new ventures are a childcare center, a multimedia production studio, a mini market selling household goods, and multiple cafes and restaurants specializing in different cuisines. The majority of the businesses awarded grants in Round 25 are minority-owned (81%), women-owned (71%), and owned by Detroit residents (68%). This reflects the program's commitment to supporting a diverse range of entrepreneurs in the city.

Since August 2022, when the grant funding for Motor City Match was doubled thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), over $17.1 million has been awarded to new and existing businesses through the program. This increased funding has allowed Motor City Match to have a greater impact in revitalizing Detroit's neighborhoods and supporting local entrepreneurs.

DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, "This funding is helping propel 23 Detroit businesses forward as they grow their companies and make their entrepreneurial dreams happen. But even more, this investment supports the bigger picture – it contributes to making Detroit a vibrant, economically strong city that we all care deeply about."

The Motor City Match program has been able to expand its reach and support more entrepreneurs due to the infusion of funding from the ARPA. By leveraging federal dollars, the program has been able to double its quarterly grant awards to more than $1 million per round. This has created more opportunities for small business owners in Detroit to renovate and revitalize their spaces.

In addition to the cash grants awarded to the new businesses, eight existing small businesses also received a total of $171,800 to make physical improvements to their spaces. This brings the total investment into small businesses in Round 25 to $1.4 million.

Motor City Match not only provides financial assistance but also offers essential support to entrepreneurs. The program awarded grants to 52 more entrepreneurs in its Business Plan, Develop, and Design tracks, providing them with business services, training, and one-on-one advising.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield commended the program for its impact on the city's small business community, stating, "Each year the DEGC through Motor City Match continues to expand its reach by tapping new businesses and entrepreneurs within various markets and industries to grow and support our small business community. This program continues to assist the creative and innovative business owners in Detroit who have a vision for their communities and understand the important role small businesses play in creating and developing strong ties to our residents and neighborhoods."

Since its inception in 2015, Motor City Match has awarded grants to more than 2,000 businesses, resulting in the opening of 165 new brick-and-mortar businesses throughout Detroit. The program has become a vital resource for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the city's vibrant business community.

Motor City Match Round 25 has further solidified the program's commitment to supporting Detroit's entrepreneurs and revitalizing its neighborhoods. With the continued support of funding from sources like the ARPA, Motor City Match will continue to open doors for small businesses and contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the city.