Motor City Match

Geographic Scope: Detroit, Michigan

Program Description: 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). The program helps Detroit entrepreneurs plan, formalize, and launch their business through multiple tracks of support.

Focus Areas:

• New brick-and-mortar businesses
• Business planning and development
• Design services
• Gap funding for small businesses
• Physical improvements to existing spaces

Eligibility:

• Detroit entrepreneurs
• New and existing small businesses
• Minority-owned businesses
• Women-owned businesses
• Detroit resident-owned businesses

Program Tracks:

• Plan Track: Business planning classes, site-selection assistance, financial planning
• Develop Track: Legal aid, technical assistance
• Design Track: Design services
• Cash Track: Direct grants for new businesses ($20,000-$85,000) and restoration grants for existing businesses
• Restore Track: Physical improvements to existing spaces

Key Statistics (as of Round 25):

• 165 brick-and-mortar businesses currently operating
• 93 businesses under construction
• $17.1+ million in total cash grants awarded
• $98 million in leveraged investment
• 81% minority-owned businesses
• 71% women-owned businesses
• 68% businesses owned by Detroit residents

Funding Sources: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding, Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, Ford Foundation, Hudson Webber Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, New Economy Initiative, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Motor City Match Application Process

Application Availability: Quarterly applications

Submission:

1. Visit www.MotorCityMatch.com
2. Complete online application
3. Submit required materials

Competitive Selection:

• Applications reviewed competitively
• Awards given based on project viability and community impact
• Multiple rounds of awards throughout the year

Available Support Beyond Cash Grants:

• Business planning classes
• Site-selection assistance
• Financial planning
• Legal aid
• Design services
• One-on-one advising
• Business services and training