A full year into its small business programming and Motor City Match is starting to see some brick-and-mortar results. Vintage clothing boutique Mama Coo's has opened up shop in Corktown and coffee shop Detroit Sip and Comb-N-Weave manufacturer Black Pride Beauty are reportedly nearing the opening of their own stores in the University District and Jefferson East areas, respectively.
Those three businesses were winners of Motor City Match grants ranging from $18,000 to $60,000 each. Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for their own shot at small business assistance from Motor City Match, which can include anything from grant money to free architectural services, business planning to tenant-landlord introductions, are in luck.
Round six of applications opens Thursday, September 1 and closes Saturday, October 1.
Applications are available online.
"Now that we're a full year into the program, Motor City Match is really starting to show some positive results. Businesses are moving through the steps of the program and beginning to open their doors to serve our neighborhoods," says Rodrick Miller, CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.
Lana Rodriguez, winner of an $18,000 Motor City Match grant, recently opened Mama Coo's in Corktown.
In an earlier interview with Model D, Rodriguez spoke about the importance of the grant and how it allowed her to open Mama Coo's with less debt and more resources.
"I know that now I have a better chance of longevity and success and to keep this puppy going," she said.
For those seeking guidance through the application process, Motor City Match has partnered with Wayne County Community College to host the Small Business Summit and Resource Fair, to be held Friday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the WCCCD downtown Detroit campus.
The Resource Fair is not Motor City Match-exclusive and will feature a number of Detroit small business support services including the Build Institute, CEED Lending, the Detroit Development Fund, the Detroit Public Library, Detroit SCORE, Grand Circus, Ioby, and Lifeline Business Consulting.
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