Detroit Small Businesses Get Grants To Improve Curb Appeal

DETROIT (AP) - More than two dozen Detroit businesses are getting matching grants to help improve their curb appeal.

Motor City Re-Store grants of nearly $300,000 were announced Thursday. The funds support existing small businesses while beautifying the city's commercial corridors.

Eight companies will share $164,700 to improve the exteriors of their shops. Another 17 will split $129,000 for pre-construction designs.

This 100-yr old Detroit business is among the 25 winners from 20 neighborhoods across the city awarded a Motor City Re-store grant to help improve its curb appeal. People's Restaurant Equipment Company is on Gratiot near Eastern Market. Dante Corsi is Vice President. @WWJ950 pic.twitter.com/a969zwFYHD
— Stephanie Davis (@sdavisDetroit) March 15, 2018

More than three quarters of the companies receiving grants are owned by minorities. Nearly 25 percent are owned by women.

Officials say the grants help existing businesses stay competitive with new firms opening in Detroit neighborhoods.

Mayor Mike Duggan says Motor City Re-Store was created to help businesses that remained in Detroit during the city's "difficult years."

Motor City Re-Store is supported by Community Development Block Grants and other funds.