Northwest Wayne News

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) has announced the relaunch of the Green Grocer Project (GGP) with the aim of increasing access to fresh and healthy food options across Detroit neighborhoods. The program is offering $25,000 grants and technical assistance to local businesses and entrepreneurs to open and sustain small-format grocery stores in communities throughout the city.

DEGC President and CEO Kevin Johnson expressed the organization's commitment to equitable economic growth through the Green Grocer Project, stating, “When we assist local entrepreneurs in opening grocery stores right in the neighborhoods they know best, it empowers residents to meet essential needs while creating new jobs. This is one way to drive opportunity that uplifts our whole community.”

Councilman At-Large Coleman A. Young II emphasized the importance of grocery stores in addressing food insecurity in Detroit, saying, “The DEGC Green Grocer Project is the most effective program in moving toward achieving food security and Detroit becoming a food oasis neighborhood by neighborhood, community by community, and block by block until we have achieved food security for all Detroiters.”

The revitalized program will provide grants of up to $25,000 and technical assistance in various areas such as market research, store design, supplier relationships, and digital literacy training. Eligible businesses must meet specific criteria related to the type and size of stores they operate.

Applications for the next round of cash and technical assistance grants are currently open, with awards being disbursed on a rolling basis. Interested parties can visit degc.org or https://bit.ly/ggpgrant24 for more information or to apply for assistance.

The Green Grocer Project, which initially ran from 2010 to 2017, has a track record of increasing access to fresh, healthy foods in Detroit while supporting the local grocery sector. The program has attracted regional and national chains to set up shop in the city, creating and retaining local jobs and providing greater availability of nutritious options.

Upon completion of the first phase of the Green Grocer Project in 2017, Detroit’s grocery sector experienced positive impacts, with investments exceeding $50 million for GGP-assisted stores’ new construction, expansions, and renovations. The program also provided facade improvement grants and technical assistance grants for over 35 Detroit grocery stores, resulting in the creation of 115 new jobs.

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction, and economic development. DEGC works towards inclusive development and access to economic opportunity in the city.