Open Door Dearborn Business Grants available for existing and new businesses to enhance Downtown
DEARBORN – The East and West Dearborn downtown development authorities announced the launch of the Open Door Dearborn Business Grants program, focused on fostering existing and supporting new business in the downtown areas of the city.
This competitive grant program provides funding to property owners and new businesses moving to the DDA districts or existing businesses within the districts. There are three levels of grants available:
• Level 1 – Design incentives (up to $2,500) to be used for exterior design assistance and signage improvement.
• Level 2 – Business startup incentives (up to $5,000) for retail startups, arts, culture and creative businesses, incubators and popup shops.
• Level 3 – Design incentives (available up to 20 percent of costs, not exceeding $10,000) for façade improvement, and expansion and development.
To be eligible, applicants must be owners or new tenants that are currently located or moving into either of the DDA districts. (Tenants must apply jointly with property owners.) Applicants will need to follow the new Design Guidelines recently adopted by the Dearborn DDA boards to meet the standards expected of properties in the downtowns.
This is a competitive grant process with priority given to projects with a high ratio of public and private investment. Grants will be awarded to recipients as reimbursements.
Open Door Dearborn has an open application process, meaning applications may be submitted at any time of the year. Applications will be reviewed within 30 days. Applicants will be required to attend a Downtown Dearborn Design/Economic Vitality committee meeting to have their applications reviewed and processed. If approved, the grant application will be sent to the EDDDA/WDDDA board meeting for final approval.
“We continue to identify and implement new ways to support our Downtown Dearborn businesses and enhance the commercial core of the community,” said Cristina Sheppard-Decius, executive director of the DDAs. “The Open Door Dearborn Business Grant initiative provides tangible assistance to prospective and current business owners who want to improve their enterprise and continue to thrive in downtown Dearborn.”
For a complete list of Open Door Dearborn Business Grant eligibility requirements or to complete an application, go to DowntownDearborn.org.