Eastern Market Growing Communities

Micro-Grant Program

Citizens Bank, Bader Foundation and Skidmore Studio are proud to announce a new round of the Growing Communities Initiative.  To date, the Growing Communities initiative has invested $470,000 in the Eastern Market Corporation and the Detroit Community Market Network for neighborhood revitalization through small business development.

Through Growing Communities, enterprises with a connection to Eastern Market, the Detroit Community Market Network or urban growers in Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck can apply for business enhancements including signage, custom stands, equipment and land.

How the program works – NEW FOR 2017!

Eastern Market is teaming up with ioby to give grantees an opportunity to get more funding for their business. This year, Eastern Market Growing Communities grantees will be given the opportunity to create a crowdfunding page on ioby.org, and for every dollar raised, EM Growing Communities will match it -- up to $3,000 per grantee. 

Also new for 2017, Skidmore Studio is offering an array of marketing services ranging from brand strategy to creative execution for up to 5 Eastern Market Growing Communities grantees. Based on the grantee’s needs and objectives, the studio will propose a plan of action which may involve the development of a tactical marketing plan and/or the development of a logo, identity system, packaging design, signage, or website design. Services will be valued at approximately $10,000 per grantee.

Who is Eligible (A-E)? Applicants must fall into one or more of these categories of businesses:

 

A.     Businesses that sell in the Sheds at Eastern Market:

·       Business must be current in rent and other obligations

·       Business must have completed one complete season at Eastern Market

B.     Eastern Market District Businesses (bricks and mortar retail, wholesale or production facilities)

·       Business must own or lease a facility in the district bound by Mack Avenue, Service Street, I-75 and St. Aubin

C.     Businesses that sell at one of the Detroit Community Markets

·       See  www.detroitmarkets.org  for a complete list

·       Business must have completed one complete season at a neighborhood market

D.     Detroit Kitchen Connect Participants

·       Business must be current in rent and other obligations

E.     Urban Growers

·       Operate on land owned outright or secured by a permit or lease in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park

·       Business must have completed an approved partner’s training program (Urban Roots, EarthWorks Agriculture Training Program, DBCFSN internship programs, Market Garden Training Program, Greening of Detroit Agriculture Apprenticeship Program or other comparable program.)

What Can I Apply for (pick 1-3)?

1.      Equipment

Merchants in the district and vendors at the Eastern Market are eligible to apply for specialized equipment that will increase their current capacity.  Grants can be used for equipment that will be used at their business or directly at a market. Equipment proposals will be considered up to a maximum of $6,000. Any request over $6,000 will require a letter of intent/commitment letter from the lending institution to insure financing up to the total cost of the equipment. Proposals must include a complete budget with prices and general information/cut sheets on the specific equipment and explanation on how it will improve capacity.   Who is Eligible? (A, B, C, D, E)

2.      Land

Individuals or groups are eligible to apply for up to $6,000 of assistance to help purchase land for growing vegetables, fruit or flowers in Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck. Any request over $6,000 will require a letter of intent/commitment letter from the lending institution to insure financing up to the total cost of the land purchase. Who is Eligible? (E)

3.      District Business Signage, Canopies or Lighting

Businesses operating in the Eastern Market District are eligible to apply for up to $6,000 of assistance for the creation and installation of new signage, canopies and/or lighting.  Any request over $6,000 will require a letter of intent/commitment letter from the lending institution to insure financing up to the total cost of the purchase. Who is Eligible? (B)

Receiving the Grant & Launching Your ioby Campaign

Grants are awarded as a reimbursement. If selected, the grantee will receive a contract, detailing the amount of the grant awarded and obligations, to sign.  Once the contract is signed and all additional required documentation is received by EMC, grantee will be allowed to create their personal crowdfunding page on ioby.org. There will be several opportunities to obtain set up instructions from ioby.org. ioby. will also assist grantees with strategies to optimize their crowdfunding opportunities. All crowdfunding pages will “go live” on February 13th, 2017 and will close on March 13th, 2017.  

Final EM Growing Communities Grant awards will be announced on Saturday, March 18th at the Eastern Market. At this point, grantees will be able to purchase equipment, land, etc. Once equipment has arrived (and assembled/planted/constructed, if necessary), grantee can submit for reimbursement (reimbursement checks are typically turned around within two weeks). Receipts, proof of delivery and photographs are required. Grantees will have until Friday, September 15, 2017 to submit for reimbursement. Grantees will receive a Form 1099-Misc. from Eastern Market for the amount of the grant. Please consult your tax professional if you have any questions.

·       At the end of the grant cycle, all grantees are required to complete and submit a final program evaluation that explains how the Growing Communities Grant has helped your business or farm.

·       The form will come directly from EMC and grantees will have 2 weeks to fill it out and return it.

·       Failure to complete evaluation results in an automatic disqualification from any future grant programs.

 

Dates

Online application submission ends: Friday, January 13, 2017

Application review period: January 16th – January 20th, 2017

Launch of fundraising campaign: February 13 – March 13, 2017

Awards Announced with matched amounts: March 18th, 2017

 

For more info contact on the contact: cquane@easternmarket.com

Apply Now