Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan today announced that 10 businesses will share a $500,000 grant through the Motor City Match program, including the Detroit Training Center, a vocational education organization, and Artesian Farms, a vertical hydroponic farming business, among others.
“We have Motor City Match properties all across the city, and business applications have come from Detroit, southeast Michigan, and across the country,” says Mayor Mike Duggan. “In addition, nearly 70 percent of the businesses that applied are minority-owned, and more than half of the applications are for women-owned businesses.”
The Motor City Match program, launched earlier in the year by Mayor Duggan, connects new and expanding businesses with real estate opportunities in the city, and provides them with funding and technical assistance.
Funding for the 10 winning-businesses ranged from $10,000 to $100,000 for purposes such as equipment purchases or the build out of a space.
“This $500,000 investment from Motor City Match will help these 10 companies leverage a combined $2.8 million that will be invested to grow in Detroit,” says Linda Forte, chair of the Detroit Economic Development Corp. and senior Vice President of business affairs at Comerica Bank.
The Detroit Training Center will use the funds to expand with the opening of a new facility near Lorraine Street and Warren Avenue in Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood. Programs at the new location will include a utility worker-training program and a heavy equipment diesel mechanics program.
Detroit-based J & G Pallets, a manufacturer of new and recycled pallets (a flat transport structure) will open a new facility at 6500 Mack Ave. on Detroit’s east side.
Mama Rita Foods, a restaurant and wholesale distributor of foods from owners Araceli Rodriguez’ native San Luis Potosi in Mexico; Hi Def Graphxs and Media, a provider of design, print, and marketing services; construction company Sovereign AEC; Coffee and (_), a restaurant and coffee shop; Woodward Throwbacks, a manufacturer of home goods using reclaimed wood; Pedicure & Shoes 2 Go, a salon specializing in manicures and pedicures; and Mo’ Better Blues, a jazz-themed restaurant, all received funds.
“We have winners with a great business idea who will receive help developing a business plan, others will get help finding the right property for their business, while those that have a location picked out will receive technical support to plan and budget for their needed renovations,” says Rodrick Miller, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp.
Seven business winners in the Make a Plan award category will receive assistance to help get their location ready to open. Winners in that category include Sweet G’s, a coffee shop and bakery near Detroit’s New Center neighborhood whose owner is moving from Los Angeles to open the shop.
The 37 winning businesses in the Make a Match category all have a plan for their business, and are looking for a location in Detroit. Each business will receive matchmaking with real estate and financial planning assistance.
Make a Match companies include Detroit-based businesses such as Detroit Denim Co. and LiveCycle Delight, a cycling studio.​
