Motor City Match was founded in 2015 to help start new, permanent businesses and expand existing businesses in Detroit’s commercial corridors by providing tailored assistance throughout the launch and growth process. After 29 Rounds, the program team has served 2,266 businesses with $20.3 million in grant funds. Motor City Match Round 30 applications are now open and accepting applications now through October 1. New businesses seeking to open in the city of Detroit in a currently vacant commercial space are invited to apply, including:
- New businesses just starting out that are not yet operational
- Operational businesses opening in their first permanent location
- Operational businesses opening a new, additional location
Applicants must also be for-profit businesses connected to Detroit by residency or location.
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Businesses applying to the Plan or Develop Track that do not have a location in Detroit must be residents of the city of Detroit to be eligible
- Connected by location
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- Businesses applying to the Design or Cash Track must have a location secured in the city of Detroit with a letter of intent, lease, deed, land contract, or other legal claim
Winning entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their business to a new location in Detroit must remain located within the City of Detroit for at least three (3) years, provide verification of new jobs created or existing jobs retained, and demonstrate a benefit to the community.
Two Types of Awards for Business Owners
1. Technical Assistance Awards
- The Plan, Develop, & Design Track Awards offer business services, architectural design services, one-on-one consulting, and group classes & seminars.
- Plan track technical assistance awards provide up to $1500 worth of business services from one of our pre-approved consultants. Technical assistance services available include Business Development, Accounting, Visual Marketing, Legal services, Technology Services, as well as Architecture and Engineering.
2. Financial Assistance Awards
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The Cash Track Award offers gap-funding grants of up to $100,000
- Awardee businesses must contribute a minimum of 10% of the total project costs in equity investment
- Financial Assistance Award Grants will not exceed 50% of total project costs
- Cash Track Grants are an average of $50,000
