Michigan Chronicle
Jan. 16, 2024
Lynzee Mychael
The Detroit Regional Chamber and General Motors have unveiled the sixth cohort of recipients for the NeighborHUB grant program. Announced at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Detroit Policy Conference Jan. 11, the program will provide a total of $600,000 in grants and additional consulting and support services to 10 nonprofits and 20 small businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park.
Catalyzing Positive Change: The NeighborHUB Impact
With the announcement of the 2024 cohort, the NeighborHUB program has now supported 94 organizations, providing nearly $2.3 million in cash funding and consulting services. Recipients are chosen from their proposals to create and enhance neighborhood spaces through collaboration, emphasizing the transformative power of community-driven initiatives.
The NeighborHUB program, an annual collaboration between the Chamber and GM, stands as a testament to the power of residents and entrepreneurs to shape their neighborhoods through physical presence and innovative programming. The competitive selection process involved an advisory committee comprising Chamber and GM staff, past grantees, nonprofit founders, executives, and small business resource providers.
Devon O’Reilly, the Chamber’s Senior Director of Community Engagement and Leadership Development, expressed pride in the collaboration with General Motors, emphasizing the program’s goal of empowering residents, small businesses, and nonprofits to instigate positive change in their neighborhoods through accessible grant funding.
O’Reilly stated, “The 2024 class continues the tradition of having diverse representatives and projects that properly represent neighborhoods throughout Detroit and surrounding areas communities. This commitment to diversity ensures that the initiatives funded are reflective of the rich tapestry of the region.
Genna Young, Senior Manager of News Relations at GM, echoed the sentiment, stating, “For the past six years, the NeighborHUB program has inspired local nonprofits and small businesses to think big and enact change in their communities.” She expressed excitement about supporting and celebrating the sixth cohort of community leaders and entrepreneurs, anticipating another year of remarkable progress in neighborhoods.
Building Strong Foundations for Neighborhoods
The NeighborHUB program extends beyond financial aid, aiming to create activity and funding in neighborhoods beyond Downtown Detroit. Recognizing small businesses and nonprofits as essential foundations for neighborhoods, the program supports them, particularly in traditionally underinvested small business corridors.
In addition to grant funding, Michigan Community Resources and BUILD Institute will offer workshops, classes, and mentorship to grantees. The 2024 cohort boasts nearly 78% minority-owned or led entities, with 71% being women-owned or led, underlining the program’s commitment to inclusivity and recognizing the vital role of entrepreneurs in community revitalization.
Selected Organizations
- Nonprofits
- 360 Detroit, Inc.
- Atlantic Impact
- Black Legacy Advancement Coalition
- Detroit Horse Power
- Detroit Phoenix Center
- Detroit Zen Center
- Mexicantown CDC
- Nurturing Our Seeds
- Teachers Supporting Teachers Everywhere
- We Are Culture
Small Businesses
- Audio Engineers of Detroit
- Bouncing Around the Motor City
- Brooks Management Group
- Crummy’s Cake Supply & Studio
- Detroit Rosa
- Goodness Gracious Inc.
- Happy Bounce
- Ice Cream Detroit
- IVY Kitchen + Cocktails
- Just for Kidz II
- Little Stinkers Childcare
- No Fear Café
- Plum Health Direct Primary Care
- Puente Cultural Integration, LLC
- Sanctuary Farms
- Sandy’s Land LLC
- The Detroit Pizza Bar
- The Squeeze Station
- The W Buchanan Group
- Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness
The 2024 cohort is set to embark on a transformative journey, empowered by the support of the Detroit Regional Chamber and General Motors. To learn more about the inspiring winners and their projects, visit Detroit Regional Chamber’s NeighborHUB page. Together, these grants are not just monetary contributions; they are catalysts for positive change, driving the resurgence of neighborhoods and communities in Southeast Michigan.