Deadlines are coming quickly for two very successful small business programs managed by Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC); chances for new contracts, new locations, or other direct assistance are at stake for Detroit-based businesses that act quickly. These programs reflect the high priority that the Mayor and DEGC have placed on creating economic opportunities for Detroiters and Detroit-based businesses throughout the city.
Motor City Match – Round Three
Motor City Match offers a share of $500,000 in grant funding and technical assistance every three months. Applications for the third round of Motor City Match are due January 1, 2016, so time is very short. Small businesses that don’t earn direct grants to fund expansion projects are still eligible for other forms of support, such as business planning services, help finding or designing new locations, and other technical support. Businesses are encouraged to re-apply when the next round opens, if they are not selected in the current round.
“Motor City Match is a program that’s truly unique to the city of Detroit,” said Rodrick T. Miller, CEO of DEGC. “No other city in the country has a program like this one to foster the local businesses that continue to drive Detroit’s recovering economy forward. An investment in local business is an investment in Detroit. That’s why this program was created and we are thrilled to see its early success.”
Application details, qualification requirements and program guidelines are available at www.MotorCityMatch.com.
D2D Matchmaking Event
D2D is a program that helps match Detroit-based businesses as buyers and suppliers. One of its biggest events is scheduled for February 11, 2016, when at least 10 large Detroit purchasing organizations will be meeting one-on-one with up to 200 small businesses who could have a chance to bid later on more than $20 million of contracts with those buyers.
Detroit businesses can apply online for a one-on-one interview. Applications are now open through January 11, 2016. The selection will be based on the qualifications and the products or services specified in the 200 bidding opportunities the buyers are expected to bring with them.
“It isn’t exactly speed dating, or a Shark Tank pitch, but it is a chance for small businesses to sit across the table and describe what they can do to a set of buyers who are committed to making purchases from other Detroit-based companies,” said Brian Watkins, program director for D2D. “With an more than $20 million in contracts on the table, these meetings are real opportunities to develop new relationships and new business.”
The free February 11, 2016 event will take place at Greektown Casino Hotel Conference Center. It is open to all Detroit-based businesses and will offer presentations, small business resource providers and networking opportunities – even if a company is not selected for a one-on-one interview. More information and applications for submissions are available at https://d2d.mybusinessmatches.com.
Entrepreneurs, current Detroit business owner or interested Detroit business owner should be sure to take advantage of these opportunities to get great exposure in the city.
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