Detroit Legacy Business Project (DLBP)
Funding Amount
$15,000 - $50,000 per business
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Tracked since
- April 2026
From the program guidelines: “Subsequent rounds: Annual cycle expected”
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Geography
- Operating in Detroit
Other requirements
- Significant contribution to Detroit's cultural identity
- Community impact and longevity
Overview
Geographic Scope: Detroit, Michigan (all seven council districts)
Program Description: The inaugural Detroit Legacy Business Project aims to sustain long-standing small businesses that have shaped Detroit's culture for three decades or longer. The program recognizes businesses through grants and a new Legacy Business Registry.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Businesses operating in Detroit for 30+ years
- Significant contribution to Detroit's cultural identity
- Community impact and longevity
Grant Types:
- Citywide Grants: $50,000 for businesses with broader citywide impact (2 awards)
- Council District Grants: $15,000 for district-specific businesses (2 awards per district)
Allowable Uses for Funds:
- Infrastructure improvements
- Inventory expansion
- Equipment purchases
- Building beautification
- Business consulting services
- Technical support
Focus Areas:
- Recognition of cultural assets and community institutions
- Support for businesses providing jobs, mentorship, and stability
- Preservation of Detroit's authentic history
- Celebration of businesses shaped Detroit's cultural identity
Program Launch: November 2024
Key Features:
- Detroit's first Legacy Business Registry
- Recognition ceremony at Detroit Historical Museum
- Networking opportunities with city leaders and support organizations
- Connection to broader economic development initiatives
Administrator: Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) manages the program on behalf of the City of Detroit
How to Apply
Detroit Legacy Business Project Application Process
Application Period:
- 2025 Round: November 21, 2024 - December 23, 2024 (closed)
- Subsequent rounds: Annual cycle expected
Selection Criteria:
- Longevity (30+ years in operation)
- Cultural significance
- Community impact
- Contribution to Detroit's cultural identity
Application Submission:
- Visit detroitmi.gov/opportunities/detroit-legacy-business-project
- Submit application during open period
- Provide business history and community impact documentation
Award Process:
- Applications reviewed and scored
- Recipients selected by district and citywide categories
- Formal awards ceremony held at Detroit Historical Museum
- Awards presented by City Council officials and DEGC representatives
What Detroit Economic Growth Association actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 20
- Total given
- $1.95M
- Median grant
- $20K
- Range
- $6,586–$948K
- By dollars: Michigan 100%. Top recipient cities: Detroit, MI; Ann Arbor, MI; West Bloomfield, MI.
- 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
Example grants
Aria Warren Detroit LLC · Detroit, MI
Supporting equitable economic development
$948K
Weston Hall LLC · Detroit, MI
Supporting equitable economic development
$291K
Ultreia LLC · Ann Arbor, MI
Supporting equitable economic development
$210K
Build Institute · Detroit, MI
Detroit means business
$189K
Milestone Growth Capital Institute · Detroit, MI
Detroit means business
$65K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Small businesses
Categories
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