Much of the new development in Detroit has not happened in the city’s neighborhoods.
But now Mayor Mike Duggan wants to invest in small businesses throughout the city.
Duggan announced the Motor City Re-store plan that will help improve the aesthetics of different commercial corridors in the city.
Duggan says small businesses can apply for up to $500,000 in matching grants each quarter.
“And what we want is the businesses who have been here to come forward with their ideas for improving their neighborhoods and we’ll match it,” Duggan said.
This program is modeled after an existing city program, Motor City Match, which is nearly identical to Motor City Re-store, except it’s aimed at start up companies.
Duggan says this initiative will work alongside other projects centered around building community, such as the Strategic Neighborhood Fund.
“Well everything we’re doing right now is driving development in neighborhoods,” he said.
Duggan says these grants will help pay for exterior improvements like landscaping and parking lots.
Up to 20 grants are expected to be awarded every three months.
Businesses can begin applying for the program Thursday, June 15.
