ClickonDetroit
Aug. 25, 2025
The City of Detroit is rolling out the second round of its Legacy Business Project, offering new grants to help longtime neighborhood businesses thrive.
The Detroit Legacy Business Project aims to preserve and support small businesses operating for more than 30 years. By providing financial and technical assistance, the program helps ensure these businesses, which contribute significantly to the city’s cultural identity, continue to thrive and impact the community.
This round will award 30 grants totaling $310,000.
City leaders said the new microgrant program makes it easier for smaller legacy businesses to access funds for equipment, technology or beautification projects.
Detroit first launched the program in March, when 16 shops received funding to expand and improve.
Eligible businesses include various for-profit structures such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies. It also includes faith-based organizations engaged in licensed commercial activities and independently owned businesses in retailers’ cooperatives. Additionally, nonprofit enterprises that have been selling a product or service for at least 30 years are eligible.
Applications for the new round open today and run through Oct. 6.