Small business is the heart of every city's Main Street, and Detroit nurtures boutique and start-up shops on a scale that is unlike any city in America. This is about more than one or two mom-and-pop businesses. This is about community development, entrepreneurial execution and a city that puts its money where its heart is: behind the people who stayed. One of its most impactful investment platforms is Motor City Match.
Motor City Match, managed by Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), connects small businesses with capital investment, strategic planning, permitting and helps them find the space they need to grow.
How Small Business Became Big News: The History of Motor City Match
"Motor City Match is about building stronger communities by investing in great business ideas that need a push" said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.
Pink Diamond Beauty Mall - Beauty Salon - Katrina Belin, Owner - University District Neighborhood
How Detroit's Small Business Investment Changes a Community
Small business investment drives the community economy by ensuring Detroit neighbors have access to local jobs and more walkable communities. Open businesses reinvigorate vacant or blighted buildings, transforming neighborhoods through renewed commercial activity. Entrepreneurial businesses preserve cultural heritage and keep wealth within micro communities, creating a cycle of local economic empowerment that strengthens the fabric of Detroit's diverse neighborhoods.
Has all this work and investment been worth it? The numbers don't lie.
These impressive results demonstrate the transformative power of strategic small business investment in Detroit's neighborhoods, creating jobs, building wealth, and revitalizing communities across the city.
JP Makes and Bakes - Bakery - Jonathan Peregrino, Owner - New Center Neighborhood
Four Big Awards for Small Business
Motor City Match awards provide business and legal support as well as matchmaking business to space
Plan Award
For those needing pre-launch business plan formalization and refinement.
Develop Award
For businesses moving from a temporary location to a permanent space.
Design Award
For business owners requiring access to architectural design, engineering and pre-construction services.
Cash Award
For applicants with ready investment money, a secured space and a completed budget.
Small Business with a Great Idea? Here's Your Quick Start Guide
Attend free MCM-sponsored application workshop
Create your Personalized Business Profile on the MCM Portal
Apply for the grant
Submit required documentation through portal
MCM staff reviews and vets your application
Receive your award
Cut your red ribbon
Receive ongoing support through the life of your business
Kuzzo's Chicken and Waffles - Restaurant - Ron Bartell, Owner - 7 Mile and Livernois Neighborhood
The Concierge Service for Small Business Needs
The City of Detroit created the District Business Liaisons program to help business owners navigate and simplify city processes, connect owners to resources and inform policy and process improvements. Detroit designated 70 Opportunity Zones to encourage small business development. Major Economic Development Districts elevate specific Detroit areas with significant potential for industrial, commercial, retail and residential growth. Neighborhood business planning fosters development along vibrant, high-traffic retail zones, encouraging further investments within key neighborhood corridors.
MAC Galleries - Gallery and Frame Shop - James McKissic, Owner - 7 Mile and Livernois Neighborhood
Detroit Diversifies its Investments Across Small Business Industries
Motor City Match supports a diverse range of Detroit entrepreneurs by funding and launching over 160 brick-and-mortar businesses citywide, driving neighborhood revitalization, job creation and inclusive economic growth. From healthcare and beauty spas to science exploration and wellness practices such as yoga and meditation, Motor City Match investments are as varied and dynamic as the business owners behind them.
Vesper Books and Wine - Wine Bar and Bookshop - Symantha Duggan and Rob Wilson, Owners - Core City Neighborhood
Tech Innovation
The Lab Drawer, receiving a $50,000 Motor City Match cash grant, is an example of MCM's focus to drive innovation. The Lab Drawer provides science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) educational kits for children and is run by two native Detroit brainiacs, Dr. Alecia Gabriel and Deirdre Roberson.
The Lab Drawer - STEAM Education - Alecia Gabriel and Deirdre Roberson, Owners - Boston-Edison Neighborhood
Health and Wellness
Dream Estates received MCM's 150th award of $75,000 for their focus on eldercare through their new assisted living facility. Medicina Scarlett Family Primary Care received a $50,000 award to open the only bilingual medical center in Detroit, serving the 29,485 Southwest Detroit households who speak Spanish as their primary language.
Local Educational Institutions
Motor City Match invested in Detroit's future when it awarded an $80,000 grant in Round 24 to the Agape Love Child Care Center. The center dedicates itself to affordable, quality childcare.
Native Detroiter Godwin Ihentuge was raised by his African American mother and Nigerian father. His parents shared with him the love of good food and the connecting power of gathering around a shared meal. His dad began teaching him how to prepare traditional dishes such as maafe, a West African peanut stew, and fufu, a starchy side dish. These kitchen experiences helped foster a deep connection to his cultural roots.
"It was very important to me to build a community of yum."
Owner of Yum Village, Godwin Ihentuge
His family history led Chef Godwin to open Detroit's premier fusion Afro-Caribbean restaurant in New Center. More than a restaurant, Yum Village serves Detroit as a cultural hub and celebrates African and Caribbean heritage through art, music, and community events.
Yum Village - Restaurant - Godwin Ihentuge, Owner - New Center Neighborhood
Small Businesses Define Detroit's Future
Small businesses created 40% of new jobs in Detroit from 2015 to 2020, while Motor City Match has helped create over 1,300 jobs during this period of growth. Over $5 billion in private sector investments have been facilitated since 2015, contributing to significant economic progress including a remarkable increase in Black wealth as the net housing value of Black homeowners grew from $3.4 billion in 2014 to $6.6 billion in 2023. Additionally, Detroit's entrepreneurial ecosystem experienced a 25% increase in startups since 2016, reflecting the city's expanding business landscape.
CRED Cafe - Cafe and Speakeasy - Joe and Jordan Crawford, Owners - Rivertown Neighborhood
Detroit's Entrepreneurs, Powered by Motor City Match
Small businesses are the backbone of Detroit, and Motor City Match is making sure they thrive. With millions invested and thousands of businesses launched, this program is more than funding—it's a movement. Meet the entrepreneurs who are turning their visions into reality and shaping the future of Detroit's economy.
