to 32 small businesses

e latest round of Motor City Match cash award winners represent a wide range of industries, including tness, retail, education, grocery and hospitality.

On Wednesday, Motor City Match awarded $1.3 million in cash grants to 32 Detroit-based businesses — 17 new businesses and 15 existing businesses. e 17 new businesses cover 15 Detroit neighborhoods, including Warrendale, North Campau, Chalfonte, the University District and Martin Park.

About 74 percent of the businesses are minority-owned, with 60 percent being women-owned and 68 percent owned by Detroit residents.

have two pennies to rub together when I started this. During the pandemic, I was able to show people what I’m trying to do and show them I’m an ally in the city. e things everybody else wants, I want them, too. is a win for everybody.” the evolving culinary scene in the Campus Martius area and look forward to sharing more details shortly,” Viviani said. “We are working on something truly special.”

Round 21 represents the second time Motor City Match has awarded more than $1 million in cash grants, up from from $500,000 per quarter, with additional funds coming from American Rescue Plan Act funds. e Motor City Match program is managed by the Detroit Economic Growth Corp.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggancalled Motor City Match’s impact remarkable.

Bedrock COO Ivy Greaner in the statement said her company looks forward to the Viviani concept opening.

“Chef Fabio Viviani has captivated the hospitality industry with exciting restaurant concepts across the country,” Greaner said. “His new concept joins the highly tra cked Woodward Avenue corridor, adding culinary diversity and destination dining near the Hudson’s development.”

Contact: jason.davis@crain.com

(313) 446-1612; @JayDavis_1981

Neighborhood Grocery LLC, which plans to open a full-serve grocery store at 500 Manistique St. in the city’s Je erson-Chalmers neighborhood, is the big winner in Round 21 of the program, earning an $85,000 grant.

Founder and Detroit resident Raphael Wright said Motor City Match helps show how much talent is in the city.

“We grind. We hustle,” Wright said during the Wednesday event. “I saw the decline in the city. at’s what planted the seed for me to do what I’m doing. It starts with food. If we’re going to lead citizens, we have to feed them.

Neighborhood Grocery got its start as a crowdfunded initiative.

“I don’t come from wealth. I didn’t

“Neighborhoods that have lacked basic services and amenities for years are now seeing a real diversity of high-quality businesses opening along their commercial corridors, within walking distance of many residents,” Duggan said in a news release. “ is program has been a major part of our strategy to strengthen and rebuild our neighborhoods.” e 17 new businesses shared $965,000 in grants that will aid owners in opening a brick-and-mortar location in Detroit. Another $341,000 went to 15 existing businesses for improvements to their current spaces.

Applications for Round 23 open March 1. More information at motorcitymatch.com.

Contact: jason.davis@crain.com (313) 446-1612; @JayDavis_1981