Business Tools & Resources

The Motor City Match program connects Detroit's entrepreneurs to an array of business service providers through our technical assistance program and to relevant third-party opportunities.

Technical Assistance

Motor City Match awardees from the Plan, Develop and Design tracks have access to technical assistance from a list of our certified service providers. Contact the Technical Assistance manager or your track manager for specific questions about your TA award.

Technical Assistance is available in the following categories:

Legal Services

Accounting and Financial Planning Services

Marketing and Branding Services

Business Planning & Business Consulting

Interior Design & Merchandising Consulting Services

Pre-construction Services

Architectural Design & Engineering Services

Web & Digital Services

Round 29 Applications close at 11:59 PM on April 30, 2025.

Program Guidelines

This document provides an overview of Motor City Match and the benefits that it provides to Detroit's small business owners.

Current Guidelines Past Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

The Motor City Match program can be complex. Review the common questions and concerns that our applicants often have.

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Commercial Readiness Form

Business owners who are looking for a brick-and-mortar location are able to demonstrate their level or preparation for this step.

Complete form

Plan of Work

Understand the steps necessary to grow your business into a successful and profitable retail operation.

Download

Capital Readiness Checklist

Ensure that your business is ready for important bank financing. Understand the resources available to you.

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Neighborhood Design Guide

Understand how to work with local architects and interior designers. Operate your company in a world-class retail space.

Read More

Additional Resources

Place-based economic development organization designed to empower low and moderate income, immigrant and minority individuals through a culturally competent range of services.
We help small businesses launch, stabilize and grow by supporting entrepreneurs in building core business skills, increasing revenue, creating jobs and accessing capital
Build Institute provides networking events, mentorship, connections to resources and a nurturing community that allows ideas to develop and flourish over time.
BuyDetroit is the single source for buyers, suppliers and contractors of all sizes and categories to connect, post and apply for new opportunities, and build capacity.
The Center for Community-Based Enterprise’s mission is to build a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive living-wage local economy, by developing a cooperating network of worker-owned businesses.
DMB is Detroit’s front door to entrepreneurial success and the one place dedicated to driving a strong small business community. Find solutions, make connections and let DMB help your small business soar.
The Accounting Aid Society educates, empowers and helps small business owners to excel in sound financial management practices.
A way for Detroit small business owners and entrepreneurs to get free consulting assistance in the areas of accounting and finance.
These services help innovators launch and grow their businesses. The clinic also provides law students with the real-life experience.
Families and individuals with incomes up to $57,000 may be eligible for our full service tax help.
The Institute works with companies that are considered to be strategically critical to the economy, that are launching their first technical product, or an existing technical product into a new market, and with communities that would like to improve their economy.
SCORE Southeast Michigan mentors help small business professionals start, develop, and grow businesses in Southeast Michigan.
The women focused public, statewide foundation that offers small business funding through their WomanUp and Microloan verticals.
BUILD Institute is Kiva’s longest standing combined Hub/Trustee partnership. Kiva offers 0% interest loans up to $15,000.
Terms range from 1 to 5 years with 7% interest. Some loans may be structured as non-revolving lines of credit and/or with interest-only periods at the front end.
DCWF provideS non-extractive financing for start-ups, existing businesses, and for ownership transitions as well as an annual Co-op Incubator
Access to Working Capital & Business Debt Refinancing for Black-owned businesses in Metro Detroit with minimum of 3 months proven sales.
Targets small businesses with growth potential and management insight that lack collateral or equity to qualify for traditional financing.
Community-based crowdfunding platform. Born in Detroit
The BizLoan Fund designed to assist small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park.
Hatch Detroit is a vehicle to champion and support independent retail businesses through funding, education, exposure and mentoring.
The Neighborhood Business Initiative (NBI) Worktable worked with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) to create this workbook with support from the New Economy Initiative (NEI).
Use this guide to understand the steps you should take in order to successfully purchase commercial, industrial, and vacant land properties from the City of Detroit.
Detroit Means Business is helping make Detroit the place for small business owners to thrive. DMB is Detroit’s front door to entrepreneurial success and the one place dedicated to driving a strong small business community.
List your brick-and-mortar location on a public map and directory. Gain important visibility for your small business.
Build additional exposure for your business with this listing portal.
Gain a strong understand of the important steps that you will need to take as an entrepreneur in order successfully open a brick-and-mortar business in the City of Detroit.
In addition to the other applicable requirements set forth in this division, each vacant building or structure shall remain in compliance.
Use this tool as a starting place for deciding if you need a permit from the City of Detroit to do work on your building rehab project?
The Business Model Canvas is a strategic management tool that helps entrepreneurs to develop and plan their business’ growth.
Depending on the certification, businesses qualify for the following benefits: appreciation events, networking and capacity building opportunities, equalization credits, and visibility on the register.
This Letter of Intent template can be utilized to draft a more complete document. You are encouraged to consult a qualified legal professional before signing a letter of intent, lease or purchase agreement.
This Letter of Intent template can be utilized to draft a more complete document. You are encouraged to consult a qualified legal professional before signing a letter of intent, lease or purchase agreement.
Learn the specifics on how to apply to the program, how to set-up your space for the safety of your staff and customers and transition into the colder months of the year.

Application Process:

  1. Quarterly Applications

2. 90-day application period

3. 30-days open application

4. 60-day evaluation period

5. Finalists notified within 30 days of application close

Application Open and Close

Award Selection

Applicants Notified By

December 1 – January 15, 2023
January 1 – March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
March 1 – April 1, 2023
April 1 – June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
June 1 – July 1, 2023
July 1 – Sept 30, 2023
September 30, 2023