CREATIVE BUSINESS SUPPORT
As an economic development organization, Design Core exists to support Designers and Creative Businesses in Detroit.
From business-to-business matchmaking to mini-grants to workshops and design guides, our business support services provide resources to help strengthen our economy in southeast Michigan.
Open Opportunities
MINI GRANT
Design is Good Business
MARKETING SERVICES FUND FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & ENTREPRENEURS
Made possible by Michigan Central + Invest Detroit + Design Core Detroit
Access to quality design resources can make a world of difference to small businesses.
Recognizable signage allows customers to find a business in person and a clear brand identity allows them to recognize products in the wild. Strategic marketing plans and engaging social content help to expand reach and build rapport with customers. User-friendly websites translate to increased sales.
As stewards of Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design designation, Design Core Detroit believes strongly in the power of design to make businesses more recognizable and competitive in their markets.
This Marketing Services Fund pilot program, established by Michigan Central and Invest Detroit, and developed and delivered by Design Core, enables more businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage the power of design to bring their marketing plans and their businesses to life.
Small businesses and startups within or adjacent to the boundaries of this map, or who primarily serve customers within this geographic area, and identify as at least 51% women, people of color, immigrant, disabled or veteran owned are eligible to apply for grants of between $2,500 - $10,000 to pay for a variety of marketing services.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting on Sunday, March 31st and continuing until October 31st or until the funds are fully allocated. All applications will be evaluated by a community-based Grants Review Committee.
Eligibility requirements and selection criteria are explained below.
For assistance completing this application, email designservices@designcore.org
with Design is Good Business Marketing Services Fund in the subject line.
GRANT GUIDELINES
The Marketing Services Grant Fund provides grants from $2,500 - $10,000 to cover content creation, visual communication , brand identity, and other marketing expenses for eligible businesses and entrepreneurs in the Michigan Central area.
Small businesses and startups within or adjacent to the boundaries of this map, or who primarily serve customers within this geographic area, and identify as at least 51% women, people of color, immigrant, disabled or veteran owned are eligible to apply for grants of between $2,500 - $10,000 to pay for a variety of marketing services. (Service Map)
The Marketing Services Grant Fund does not accept incomplete applications or applications from small businesses outside of the service map. Design Providers must be on Design Core Detroit’s approved vendor list for this program to be matched with grantees. The Fund does not make grants to students or fund academic study and will not make grants to pay for past debts, legal fees or personal expenses.
A complete application form and requested attachments are required. Any incomplete applications will be returned without consideration. All completed applications will be promptly acknowledged and considered. If further information is required after the completed application has been received, the applicant will be contacted directly by the staff. Further information including financial data or marketing assets may be requested at any time during the review process.
Applicants are required to submit a complete application. Any incomplete applications will be returned without consideration. All completed applications will be promptly acknowledged and considered. If further information is required after the completed application has been received, the small business owner will be contacted directly by the staff.
Further information including financial data or marketing assets may be requested at any time during the review process. A committee of finance experts, design practitioners, community organizations, and small businesses owners has been seated to evaluate applications and allocate grants. The process can take up to one month.
All grant funds will be paid directly to the design vendors for services delivered. Awardees are required to match to an approved vendor, establish an agreed upon scope of work, and sign a project agreement, before grant funds will be dispersed. Fifty percent of the contract price will be delivered directly to the design firm, upon receipt of the signed contract and the balance will be paid upon completion of all contract deliverables.
Design Core Detroit, Invest Detroit and Michigan Central reserve the right to review and redefine the Marketing Services Grant program guidelines according to the funders' original intent and their determination of how small businesses will be best served.
Denied or incomplete applications may be edited and resubmitted.