Detroit’s Motor City Match Brings 10 Businesses to Detroit’s New Center

Through Detroit’s Motor City Match, which connects businesses to tools, funding, and Detroit real estate opportunities, five businesses have opened in Detroit’s New Center. Another five awardees will be opening in the same area soon.
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Quiana Broden and officials at the grand opening of The Kitchen, by Cooking with Que
The Kitchen, by Cooking with Que is opening in Detroit’s New Center with support from Motor City Match. // Photo courtesy of Motor City Match

Through Detroit’s Motor City Match, which connects businesses to tools, funding, and Detroit real estate opportunities, five businesses have opened in Detroit’s New Center. Another five awardees will be opening in the same area soon.

Motor City Match has opened 69 businesses in Detroit since it was founded nearly four years ago. Its goal is to create walkable neighborhoods by launching small businesses that serve to attract more businesses and jobs, reopen vacant stores, and provide goods and services.

The new additions include: The Kitchen, by Cooking with Que, which is owned by Quiana Broden. The business was awarded $60,000 through the program. The vegan café includes a rentable kitchen and live demo space.

“I was born to bring Detroiters back to the dinner table in a healthful way,” says Broden. “Now I can do that on a large scale, thanks to the help of so many dedicated people. MCM held my hand and believed in my dream. I am excited to provide the tools and resources to help create a healthier Detroit.”

Ferne Boutique, owned by Laura Howarth, was awarded $10,000. It was opened in August 2018 and is a women’s clothing boutique.

Yum Village was awarded $50,000 and is owned by Godwin Ihentuge. It is an Afro-Caribbean restaurant that opened in January 2019 and offers dine-in, delivery, and retail.

Banner Sign Co., a family-owned and operated large-format digital and textile printing business, was awarded $45,000.

Batch Brewing Co., a microbrewery, received $65,000.

In addition, five Motor City Match businesses are under construction.

Baobab Fare, owned by immigrant Hamissi Mamba, was awarded $50,000. The East African restaurant will employ immigrants and sell handmade products and African arts and crafts from the refugee community. It is expected to open later this year.

Textures by Nefertiti, owned by Angela Nefertiti Harris, was awarded $70,000 and is a full-service hair spa.

The Gathering Coffee Co., owned by Emily Steffen, was awarded $30,000.

See You Tomorrow is a casual dining restaurant that was awarded $35,000.

D-Town Grand, a historic building with local business tenants, won a $50,000 cash grant.

Motor City Match offers educational programs, technical assistance, and cash grants for small business owners. It is a partnership among the city of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., the Economic Development Corp. of the City of Detroit, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Financial assistance is supported by a partnership of southeast Michigan community development financial institutions, foundations, and corporations.