Detroit Legacy Business Project (DLBP)
Funding Amount
$15,000 - $50,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Tracked since
- April 2026
From the program guidelines: “Applications are accepted through an annual application period.”
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Other requirements
- Business must have operated in Detroit for 30+ years or longer
- Long-standing community presence with cultural significance
- Demonstrated community impact and contribution to Detroit's cultural fabric
Overview
Geographic Scope: City of Detroit, Michigan (all seven council districts)
Program Focus:
The Detroit Legacy Business Project (DLBP) honors and sustains long-standing small businesses that have shaped Detroit's cultural identity for 30+ years. The program recognizes businesses that have provided jobs, mentorship, and stability to Detroit neighborhoods.
Eligibility Requirements
- Business must have operated in Detroit for 30+ years or longer
- Long-standing community presence with cultural significance
- Demonstrated community impact and contribution to Detroit's cultural fabric
Award Types
Two types of grants available:
- Council District Grants: $15,000 to businesses in each of Detroit's seven council districts (2 per district)
- Citywide Grants: $50,000 to businesses with broader citywide impact (2 citywide grants)
Permitted Use of Funds
- Infrastructure improvements
- Equipment purchases
- Building beautification
- Inventory expansion
- Business consulting services
- Technical support
Legacy Business Registry
The program established Detroit's first Legacy Business Registry to recognize and support qualifying businesses.
Impact (Round 1-2, as of March 2025)
- 16-30 businesses awarded per round
- Over $300,000 awarded in Round 1
- Over $310,000 awarded in Rounds 1-3
- Recipients include bakeries, barbershops, dance academies, theaters, roller rinks, and other iconic establishments
Program Administration
Managed by: Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC)
Contact Person: Sean Gray, Vice President of Small Business Services
Partners: City of Detroit, City Council
Contact Information
Detroit, MI 48226
For more information: detroitmi.gov/opportunities/detroit-legacy-business-project
How to Apply
Application Process
Application Timeline (2025):
- Applications opened: November 21, 2024
- Applications closed: December 23, 2024
- Awards ceremony: March 2025
Selection Criteria:
- Business longevity (30+ years in operation)
- Cultural significance to Detroit
- Community impact
- Contribution to Detroit's cultural identity
Application Submission:
Applications are accepted through an annual application period. Specific application portal and requirements available at detroitmi.gov/opportunities/detroit-legacy-business-project
Documentation Needed:
Business must demonstrate:
- 30+ years of continuous operation in Detroit
- Evidence of cultural significance and community impact
- Business registration and operating history
What Detroit Economic Growth Corporation actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2020 — the most recent filing with itemized grants
- Grants in 2020
- 1
- Total given
- $1.6M
- Median grant
- $1.6M
- By dollars: Michigan 100%. Top recipient cities: Detroit, MI.
Example grants
Detroit Economic Growth Association · Detroit, MI
To redistribute to local businesses in need
$1.6M
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Small businesses
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