Detroit City Wire

Motor City Match has opened applications for its 30th round, inviting new and expanding businesses in Detroit to apply for support. The program, established in 2015, aims to assist businesses along Detroit’s commercial corridors by offering guidance and financial help throughout their development.

Since its inception, Motor City Match has provided $20.3 million in grants to 2,266 businesses across 29 rounds. Applications for the current round will be accepted until October 1. The initiative targets several types of applicants: new businesses not yet operating, existing businesses seeking their first permanent location, and operational businesses looking to open an additional site within Detroit.

Eligibility requires that applicants be for-profit entities connected to Detroit either through residency or business location. Those applying for the Plan or Develop Track must reside in Detroit if they do not already have a city-based location. Applicants for the Design or Cash Track are required to have secured a physical space within Detroit through documentation such as a lease or deed.

Businesses that receive awards must stay in Detroit for at least three years and show proof of job creation or retention as well as community benefit.

There are two main types of awards available:

Technical Assistance Awards are offered under the Plan, Develop, and Design Tracks. These include services like business consulting, architectural design, group seminars, and one-on-one sessions. Recipients can access up to $1,500 worth of services from approved consultants covering areas such as business development, accounting, visual marketing, legal support, technology services, architecture, and engineering.

Financial Assistance Awards are provided through the Cash Track Award. This grant offers gap funding of up to $100,000 per business but requires recipients to invest at least 10% equity into their project. Grants will not exceed half of total project costs; on average these grants amount to about $50,000.

More information about Motor City Match is available on the program’s website: https://www.motorcitymatch.com/.