Detroit is a city that carries legacy in its DNA—a cultural cornerstone where the rhythm of Motown still echoes, the innovation of the automobile industry remains unmatched, and fashion tells stories of pride and resilience. Families and businesses that have shaped its history for decades remain central to its identity. Legacy businesses are more than just fixtures in the community. They carry the stories of Detroit’s past and contribute to its present through cultural and economic impact. That’s why it matters when they’re not only remembered by loyal customers but also actively supported by the very city they’ve helped build. Their recognition and support from the city they serve highlight the importance of preserving what makes Detroit unique. These businesses represent the strength and spirit of Detroit, ensuring its history remains alive for future generations.
Bert’s Marketplace in Detroit’s Eastern Market set the stage for a powerful announcement—a moment that spoke directly to the soul of the city and the legacy of its people. Standing before a backdrop of Detroit’s rich cultural history, City Council President Mary Sheffield, representatives from Mayor Mike Duggan’s Office, and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation officials introduced the Detroit Legacy Business Project (DLBP). This initiative aims to honor and sustain the small businesses that have shaped Detroit for generations.
The $500,000 investment serves as more than financial support. It reflects a dedication to preserving the stories of resilience and success that define Detroit’s legacy businesses. The program provides grants between $15,000 and $50,000, totaling 16 awards. Each of Detroit’s seven council districts will receive two $15,000 grants, alongside two citywide $50,000 grants. Applications are now open and will remain available through December 23, 2024.
“The Detroit Legacy Business Project is not just about preserving businesses – it’s about preserving the stories, communities, and legacy that make our beloved city unique,” said Sheffield. “By investing in these long-standing businesses, we are ensuring that Detroit’s rich history remains an integral part of our culture and empowering future generations of entrepreneurs to build upon that foundation.”
Small businesses are often described as the backbone of communities, but in Detroit, they are more like the beating heart. These businesses represent more than transactions; they are where relationships are formed, and traditions are passed down. For a city that has seen its share of challenges, these establishments have stood firm, offering jobs, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. This program acknowledges their resilience while offering a path for sustainability.
The qualifications for the program are clear and intentional. Eligible businesses must have operated in Detroit for at least 30 years and demonstrate their impact on the city’s cultural fabric. They must also be independently owned and have physical locations accessible to the public. The funding can be used for inventory, equipment, building improvements, and business consulting, ensuring that recipients can address their unique needs.
Justin Onwenu, Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity for the City of Detroit, outlined the importance of these investments. “As the City of Detroit works to create the jobs of the future, we are excited to invest in the entrepreneurs and legacy businesses that have served as foundations in our communities. Small businesses are drivers in economic growth, and we are excited to make needed investments to ensure that they continue to thrive in the City of Detroit.”
For Lauren Stovall, this announcement was deeply personal. As the daughter of Tony Stovall, founder of Hot Sam’s, one of Detroit’s oldest legacy businesses, Lauren’s understanding of the struggles and triumphs of long-standing small businesses is firsthand. Her journey from growing up in her father’s store to creating a program that uplifts businesses like his is a testament to her dedication.
“I have had a unique burden for legacy businesses for the past few years. I came to recognize them as a unique and set apart sector within the general small business sector, and I believed there was more that we as a community and city could do to honor and serve them,” Stovall shared. “It’s important that we see them right; as pillars and anchors that serve as cultural assets of the city and within the community.”
This initiative goes beyond financial assistance by creating Detroit’s first Legacy Business Registry. This registry will formally honor businesses that have operated in the city for 30 years or more. It will provide access to additional technical and financial resources, ensuring these businesses have the tools to thrive. The registry also underscores their role as cultural institutions, offering a platform to celebrate their lasting contributions to Detroit’s identity and history.
Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, explained the broader vision. “Legacy businesses are more than just storefronts – they’re job creators and second-chance employers who’ve supported Detroit families for generations. These businesses have shown incredible resilience through Detroit’s ups and downs, often being the first to give opportunities to returning citizens and local residents. This initiative helps ensure they can continue serving as economic anchors in our neighborhoods for decades to come.”
The timeline for the program is as carefully considered as its purpose. Applications are open now, with submissions closing on December 23, 2024, at 8 a.m. Grant recipients will be announced on February 21, 2025. Business owners can find more information and apply at detroitmi.gov/opportunities/detroit-legacy-business-project.
For too long, Detroit’s legacy businesses have shouldered the responsibility of representing the city’s resilience without adequate support. They have weathered economic downturns, shifts in industries, and the challenges that come with remaining locally owned in an era of corporate expansion. This initiative flips that narrative, offering these businesses a chance to thrive, not just survive.
Stovall’s vision for honoring legacy businesses represents a necessary shift in how cities approach economic development. Her efforts, along with those of the city and its partners, create a framework for recognizing and uplifting businesses as cultural assets, not just economic entities.
As Detroit continues to push forward, this program serves as a reminder of where its strength lies—in the neighborhoods, the people, and the businesses that have held it together. For legacy business owners, this is more than an opportunity. It is a validation of their work, their endurance, and their place in Detroit’s future. For the community, it is a chance to celebrate and support the spaces that have shaped their lives.
This is a pivotal moment for Detroit. By investing in its legacy businesses, the city invests in its identity and ensures that its history remains a cornerstone of its progress. This initiative doesn’t just promise financial support; it reinforces the value of those who have built Detroit into what it is today and what it will become.
About Post Author
