Courtesy of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, City of Detroit
In a powerful show of support for Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit, Mayor Mike Duggan and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) have had a significant economic impact by allocating more than $1 million in grants to 16 new local businesses in the 27th round of Motor City Match.
This specific round includes a novel Community Violence Intervention (CVI) track, which grants $75,000 in support and resources to four businesses run by individuals committed to promoting positive change in the community. This marks a significant collaboration with local CVI organizations and demonstrates a commendable effort to assist enterprises while addressing important social issues.
“At its heart, Motor City Match is about building stronger communities. I am so proud that the team at the DEGC has made it a priority to create this new CVI track for emerging small businesses that are recommended by our Community Violence Intervention partners,” Duggan said.
The City’s CVI track is a collaborative effort between the City and six Shotstoppers CVI groups to support entrepreneurs mentored by community violence intervention organizations. Through this track, qualified businesses recommended by CVI groups and approved by Motor City Match can receive grants totaling up to $150,000 over two rounds. This initiative is designed to empower and assist businesses in positively impacting the community.
“Round 27 represents our largest overall grant awards in the program’s history, and as a result, 14 Detroit neighborhoods soon will be seeing new businesses open,” Duggan said.
The four businesses awarded through the CVI track include a digital photography studio, an apparel company, and a pair of restaurants. Sixteen new brick-and-mortar businesses will be located across 14 Detroit neighborhoods, including Minock Park, Jefferson Chalmers, Pulaski, Barton-McFarland, and Eastern Market.
Kevin Johnson, the President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, expressed that the organization is pioneering a new approach to economic development with the CVI track.
“We’re not just helping businesses grow – we’re partnering with folks working hard to make their neighborhoods safer. It’s about boosting entrepreneurs who’ve faced challenges and are now committed to positive change. We’re excited to see how these businesses will thrive and contribute to a stronger, safer Detroit.”
A grand sum of $1,035,000 was allocated in grants to support the establishment of 16 new brick-and-mortar businesses, while an additional $70,000 in grants was earmarked for awardees within the program’s CVI track. $261,000 was dispensed to assist 11 existing small businesses physically improve their current space. This brings the overall investment in small businesses in this phase to a commendable $1.1 million.
President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a major funding source 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 2015, Motor City Match has awarded more than 2,095 businesses, resulting in 168 new brick-and-mortar businesses operating throughout the City.
Mary Sheffield, the President of the Detroit City Council, expressed her ongoing support for the Motor City Match program, emphasizing its significant contribution to Detroit’s development. She particularly highlighted the program’s expansion to integrate a Community Violence Intervention track, which she believes underscores the City’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
“This funding empowers community organizations to implement effective strategies and programs that ensure our neighborhoods remain safe and vibrant. With over $1 million awarded, we are committed to uplifting and supporting our entrepreneurial community, fostering growth and stability throughout Detroit,” Sheffield said.
For more information and a list of all Motor City Match awardees, visit www.degc.org
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