Funding Resources
Motor City Match 2026: Grants, Loans, and Business Support for Detroit Entrepreneurs
Starting or expanding a business requires more than a great idea—it takes funding, guidance, and the right location. The Motor City Match program was created to help Detroit entrepreneurs overcome these challenges by connecting business owners with grants, loans, technical assistance, and commercial property opportunities. Since launching in 2015, Motor City Match has supported thousands of entrepreneurs while helping revitalize commercial corridors throughout Detroit.
About Motor City Match
Motor City Match (MCM) is a partnership between the City of Detroit and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC).
The program matches entrepreneurs with available commercial spaces while providing financial assistance and expert business support. Rather than focusing solely on grants, Motor City Match offers a comprehensive approach to business development through multiple forms of assistance.
Whether you're opening your first storefront or expanding an existing business, the program aims to strengthen Detroit's neighborhood economy and encourage long-term investment.
Funding Opportunities
Motor City Match offers several types of assistance, including:
Cash grants for eligible businesses
Low-interest business loans
Technical assistance
Business planning support
Design assistance
Legal and accounting support
Commercial property matching
Construction and project guidance
Not every applicant receives funding. The type of assistance awarded depends on the applicant's stage of business development and project readiness.
Grant Amount
Grant awards vary depending on the funding round and project.
Eligible businesses may receive up to $100,000 in grant funding to support commercial space build-out, renovations, and other eligible project costs.
Additional financing and technical assistance may also be available depending on the needs of the business.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants generally must:
Operate or plan to operate a business within the City of Detroit.
Have a viable business concept.
Demonstrate financial readiness.
Meet program eligibility requirements.
Be prepared to occupy or improve a commercial property in Detroit.
Both existing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs may qualify, depending on the assistance category.
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed based on:
Business viability
Financial readiness
Community impact
Job creation potential
Project feasibility
Readiness to complete the proposed project
Contribution to Detroit neighborhood revitalization
Strong applications clearly demonstrate how the project will create lasting economic benefits for the community.
Application Deadline
Motor City Match accepts applications through multiple funding rounds each year.
Each round has its own application window and deadline. Applicants should monitor the official website for current dates and funding announcements.
Apply here: https://www.motorcitymatch.com/
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