Façade Improvement Program offers matching grants up to $50,000 per store
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation’s Green Grocer Project (GGP) has launched a façade improvement program to upgrade the exteriors of Detroit’s neighborhood grocery stores. GGP is now accepting applications from grocers for 50/50 matching grants up to $50,000 to transform the street look of their stores.
“Detroit’s grocers have been freshening up the interiors of their stores and bringing in fresh new products, and they’ve told us their priority now is putting a fresh look on their facades.” said Mimi Pledl, program manager for the Green Grocer Project. “Investments in exterior improvements can increase a store’s value to the community and attract more customers.”
Facade improvements can enhance the aesthetics of grocery stores through:
- attractive exterior materials
- seasonal landscaping
- inviting signage and awnings
- interesting windows and displays
Facade improvements can enhance the security of the store with:
- improved lighting
- welcoming and safe entrances
- open parking spaces
Complete information, including a grant application, can be found at www.greengrocerproject.org. Potential applicants are also welcome to direct questions to GreenGrocer@DEGC.org or to call (313) 237-6092. The fax number is (313) 963-8839.
The Green Grocer Project aims to improve the quality of the grocery sector through assisting grocers in addressing operational and store development needs to ensure the highest quality fresh affordable food in Detroit stores.
GGP technical assistance grants help grocers improve their stores’ appearance, operations and marketing efforts, with a goal of improving the overall quality of Detroiters’ grocery shopping experiences and access to fresh food.
About DEGC:
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is a non-profit organization that serves as the lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development initiatives in the city of Detroit. DEGC is led by a 60-member board comprised of business, civic, labor and community leaders. Its 40 professionals provide staff services for key public authorities that offer tax credits and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs or economic activity to the city. Among them: the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (DBRA), Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Neighborhood Development Corporation (NDC), Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA), and Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA). DEGC also provides planning, project management and other services under contract to the City of Detroit.
