A new program is aimed at cleaning up neighborhoods by allowing businesses to rejuvenate their store fronts.
The Motor City Re-Store is kicking off this week with an informational meeting for business owners hoping to get grant money to refresh their storefronts. The idea behind the program is similar to Motor City Match, but instead of giving money to a single startup business, the money is spread out as a matching-grant to more than a dozen businesses throughout Detroit.
“We’re expanding our ability to help businesses that are already open and operating in their location,” said Kyla Carlsen. “The goal is to improve the look and feel in our commercial corridors.”
Motor City Re-Store plans to spend up to $500,000 per quarter. Any for-profit business that isn’t part of a chain can apply to win a share of the money — the process starts with an informational meeting Wednesday, June 22 at Good Cakes and Bakes, the meeting lasts from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. A second informational meeting is also being held Wednesday, June 29 at the Matrix Center on McNichols between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Business owners and landlords will have the chance to apply between now and August 1, however, three additional rounds are already planned.
According to Carlsen, the idea is that they want to reward businesses that have worked hard to keep their doors open.
“We’re really looking to help more businesses that have been open, serving their communities for years,” said Carlsen.
If you’d like more information about the Motor City Re-Store program you can visit the group’s website.
