Motor City Match’s Round 26 awards help launch new businesses in 17 Detroit neighborhoods

2024
  • Nearly $1 million in grants awarded to 18 new businesses at Round 26 Awards ceremony.
  • New Detroit ventures include a neighborhood grocery market, reflexology center, virtual reality center and Detroit’s first premier rage room.
  • In Round 26, 83% are minority-owned businesses; 57% are women-owned businesses; and 67% are businesses owned by Detroit residents.
  • The program has dispersed more than $18.1 million in grants to new and existing businesses since 2016.

 

In a boost to Detroit’s entrepreneurial landscape, Mayor Mike Duggan and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) have awarded $890,000 in grants to 18 local businesses as part of the 26th round of the Motor City Match program. These grants will support opening nearly two dozen new storefronts across the city, further contributing to Detroit's economic revitalization.

The 18 new businesses will be located across 17 Detroit neighborhoods, including Riverbend, Nolan, Bethune Community, Wade and Bagley (full list located at the end of release). The latest group of Motor City Match recipients includes an assortment of businesses and services, including a neighborhood grocery market, Detroit’s first premier rage room, a reflexology center and several restaurants.

Motor City Match Rd 26 winners

 

“When we started Motor City Match, people had doubts that many entrepreneurs would be interested in opening in Detroit, but the success of the program has shown just the opposite,” said Mayor Duggan.  “We already have nearly 170 Motor City Match businesses that have opened with dozens more under construction. I am so proud of the 18 entrepreneurs who now will be able to realize their dream in Round 26 and bring more great services and experiences to 17 different neighborhoods in our City.”

Program impact doubled through federal ARPA dollars

In addition to the $890,000 in grants to help the 18 new brick-and-mortar businesses open, 11 existing small businesses were awarded a total of $251,000 to make physical improvements to their existing space, bringing the total investment into small businesses in this round to $1.1 million. 

“Motor City Match grants are a catalyst for turning the entrepreneurial dreams of Detroiters into reality,” said DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson. “We eagerly anticipate the positive transformations these grants will have in our neighborhoods.”

President Biden's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a major source of funding 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 Round 20, this influx of $9.1 million has empowered local business owners to pursue their aspirations while uplifting the wider Detroit community. By leveraging federal funding, Motor City Match continues to open doors for small businesses across the city.

The program also offered awards to 48 more entrepreneurs in its Business Plan, Develop and Design tracks in addition to the grants. These awards offer essential support for Detroit businesses still working on their projects, including business services, training and one-on-one advising.

In total, 77 Detroit businesses representing all seven council districts received support from Motor City Match’s 26th round.

“The Motor City Match program isn't just about economics; it's an investment in the heart and soul of Detroit. Each small business represents a dream, a legacy, and a beacon of resilience in our community,” said Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield. “By nurturing these enterprises, we cultivate local talent, create job, and weave a tapestry of diversity and innovation that defines our city's spirit. With over $1 million in funding, they are truly changing lives and making dreams come true.”

Since 2015, Motor City Match has awarded more than 2,019 businesses, resulting in 167 new brick-and-mortar businesses operating throughout the city.

Motor City Match continues to grow Detroit’s small-business landscape
Combined with its other small business programming, DEGC is creating a sustainable small business environment that nurtures new concepts and ideas. Motor City Match offers business owners a wide range of assistance in five tracks Plan, Develop, Design, Cash and Restore. The program helps Detroit entrepreneurs plan, formalize, and launch their business by providing business planning classes, site-selection assistance, financial planning, legal aid, design services and gap funding.

Through 26 rounds of the program:

  • Total business open: 167
  • Total businesses under construction: 86
  • Total cash grants: $18.1 million
  • Total leveraged investment: $99 million
  • 81 percent are minority-owned businesses
  • 69 percent are women-owned businesses
  • 64 percent are businesses owned by Detroit residents
  • 2,019 total businesses served

 

About Motor City Match

Motor City Match is a unique partnership between the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (EDC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Competitive financial assistance is supported by a broad partnership of Southeast Michigan community development financial institutions and corporations including, Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, Ford Foundation, Hudson Webber Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, New Economy Initiative and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Motor City Match applications are available quarterly. More information is available at MotorCityMatch.com

 

Motor City Match Round 26 Cash awardees:  

  • Birdie Mae’s Brunch Bar, LLC – $45,000
    • Restaurant offering American brunch dishes with Cajun Creole flair
    • 17332 Woodward
    • Grixdale Farms, District 2
  • Bryant Park Market LLC – $35,000
    • Neighborhood grocery market committed to serving the Kercheval community with fresh foods, offering locally sourced produce, meats, dairy and international groceries
    • 14840 Kercheval
    • Riverbend, District 4
  • DeYoke LLC dba Kimochi Detroit – $35,000
    • Reflexology center offering a tranquil retreat with a range of therapy services such as reflexology, shiatsu, massage, and sound therapy
    • 1337 Division, Suite 204
    • Eastern Market, District 5
       
  • Hoodymartz LLC – $20,000
    • Gift shop offering a variety of custom and crafted gift baskets and bundles for all occasions
    • 11015 Whittier
    • Outer Drive-Hayes, District 4
       
  •  Immersive Innovations LLC dba Anvio VR Detroit – $40,000
    • Provides a live, free-roam virtual reality experience with various scenarios, through cutting-edge technology and innovative gameplay
    • 1030 Randolph
    • Greektown, District 5
  • Jessica Blair Beauty LLC dba Jessica Blair Beauty Supply – $25,000
    • Offers a wide range of beauty products and cosmetics while also fostering opportunities for minority-owned beauty brands in Detroit
    • 18724 Grand River
    • North Rosedale Park, District 1
  • Kid-E-College Prep LLC – $75,000
    • Childcare center serving low to moderate-income families in Detroit and surrounding areas
    • 21350 W Seven Mile
    • Evergreen Lahser 7/8, District 1
       
  • New Millenium Books LLC – $20,000
    • Retail bookstore offering non-fiction, fiction and fantasy novels while also selling leather goods and gifts
    • 7400 W McNichols
    • Bagley, District 2
       
  • Nya Marshall LLC dba ArtPlay – $80,000
    • Art Play offers refined dining, artisanal cocktails, event spaces, community programs and rooftop wellness activities for an unparalleled upscale experience
    • 9201 E Jefferson
    • East Village, District 4
       
  • Roots Visual Designs L.L.C. dba Detroit Ink Spot – $50,000
    • Renowned as Detroit's premier destination for custom body art, specializes in working on melanated skin, serving the community for 8 years with a mission to become an artistic hub
    • 15925 W McNichols
    • Crary/St. Marys, District 1
       
  • RUNdetroit LLC – $50,000
    • Founded in 2013, RUNdetroit stands as Detroit's sole running and walking specialty store, offering expert shoe fittings, a curated selection of athletic gear, and free weekly group runs
    • 1948 Division, Suite 105
    • Eastern Market, District 5
       
  • Side Pull Beer Company LLC – $75,000
    • A brewery with a community-building mission, aims to offer low-ABV beers in its taproom, fostering conversations over a variety of artisanal brews
    • 3143 Bellevue
    • Islandview, District 5
       
  • Simply Roasted – $50,000
    • A coffee shop and café serving specialty coffee, sandwiches, and delectable desserts
    • 4240 Cass, Suite 107
    • Midtown, District 6
       
  • Technology Partners Group LLC dba Michigan Tech Partners LLC – $50,000
    • Dialysis training center aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility and support in Detroit
    • 10018 Roseberry
    • Wade, District 4
       
  • The Damage Zone, LLC – $85,000
    • Detroit's first premier rage room, providing alternative therapy for emotionally reactive individuals, addressing crime, blight, and stress through destruction therapy
    • 15785 James Couzens Fwy
    • Bethune Community, District 2
       
  • The Debt Survivor LLC – $50,000
    • Offers small business training services to empower entrepreneurs and support their growth journey
    • 11145 Morang
    • Yorkshire Woods, District 4
       
  • The Ideal Rental Space, LLC dba The Ideal Rental Kitchen and Space – $50,000
    • A private event space offering extensive amenities, including a full commercial kitchen
    • 2039 E Seven Mile
    • Nolan, District 3
  • Twelve Flavorz LLC – $55,000
    • A startup breakfast restaurant serving creative breakfast dishes with locally sourced ingredients
    • 17343 E Warren
    • Cornerstone Village, District 4

Motor City Match Round 26 Restore awardees:  

  • Dexter Cash Wash and Vacuum, LLC – $25,000
    • 12740 Dexter
    • Dexter-Linwood, District 5
       
  • Brix Wine & Charcuterie, LLC – $25,000
    • 1588 Franklin St.
    • Rivertown-Warehouse District, District 5
       
  • Dexter Depot LLC – $25,000
    • 10330 Dexter Ave.
    • Dexter-Linwood, District 5
       
  • Irby Enterprises Company dba Balance & Flow Yoga Studio, Inc. – $13,000
    • 18728 W Warren Ave.
    • Warrendale, District 7
       
  •  Grand River Capital Investments, Inc dba Little Mary’s Detroit – $25,000
    • 7741 Grand River
    • Petoskey-Ostego, District 6
       
  • The Plymouth Café, Incorporated dba Fusion Flarer Kitchen & Cocktail – $25,000
    •  16801 Plymouth
    • Joy Community, District 7
       
  • MJ’s North End Ice Cream Parlor LLC – $25,000
    • 8801 Oakland
    • North End, District 5
  • Unique Auto Body Inc. – $25,000
    • 10301 W. 8 Mile Rd
    • Pembroke
       
  • MNSN, Inc dba Liquor Island – $25,000
    • 11731 Chalmers St.
    • Eden Gardens, District 4

 

  • Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness Center, Inc dba Welcome Home Yoga Wellness Racing Association – $25,000
    • 6375 W Seven Mile Rd.
    • Bagley, District 2

 

  • What’s the Dill – $13,000
    • 4088 W McNichols
    • University District, District 2