Existing Detroiters: Make Detroit Home
Total Incentive
$15,000
Description
Investing in Detroit's Catalysts to Stay & Build in Detroit
Detroit's future is being shaped by the people already here. Growth starts with them.
The Make Detroit Home: Stay & Build Program is designed to support existing residents’ who have an outsized impact on the city’s growth, as they decide to stay and build their futures in Detroit. Specifically, the program is available to those creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who are actively contributing to the city’s growth and identity. These are the individuals building businesses, creating culture, and strengthening neighborhoods from within–and for whom these program benefits will make all the difference in their decision to stay and their ability to scale their impact right here in Detroit.
To ensure Detroit’s healthy growth and shared prosperity for all its residents, we need to invest in the drivers of median income growth, the development of places that are magnets for talent, and economic diversification across our city. One thing is clear: strong entrepreneurial and creative ecosystems are key to that brighter tomorrow. Make Detroit Home: Stay & Build is designed to support and retain Detroit talent and spark growth for all Detroiters–current and future.
Stay & Build invests in the people already shaping Detroit’s future—and accelerates their impact even more.
Through Make Detroit Home, Move Detroit is investing in the Catalysts shaping Detroit’s future. Whether you’re growing your business, launching a new project, or driving local innovation, Move Detroit is here to help you stay, thrive, and make Detroit home. Learn more at movedetroit.com.
What You'll Receive
🤝 High-Impact Connections & Community - Participants will be invited to join one curated Community Event Series aligned with their interests and goals. Each is designed to amplify participants’ local networks, including access to community and industry leaders, relevant resources, and VIP Detroit experiences. The Community Event Series options to select from include:
- Detroit Moves the World, Acceleration series for innovators and creators: includes exposure to industry experts and community leaders, industry-relevant and unique Detroit experiences, as well as resources to support your growth.
- WFHere Detroit: Community-building, coworking events, HQ-level talks & resources, and other opportunities for remote workers.
- Detroit Welcome: Get socialized with Detroit via community dinners, unique Detroit experiences, and other social events.
🏙 A Warm Re-introduction to Your Best Detroit Life - All participants will be enrolled in a one-year Welcome Program designed to increase engagement in your city, and amplify your quality of life right here at home. Benefits include:
- Discounts at local businesses and cultural institutions
- A one-year membership in the MoveDetroit Digital Community*
- A free parks pass to enjoy Belle Isle and Michigan’s more than 100 state parks and recreation areas–a lot of natural beauty only a short drive from home
- Curated list of Detroit programs and policy opportunities–a one-stop shop to programs you may be eligible for and the broad set of benefits of being a Detroiter
*May be subject to change or exchange for equivalent community engagement opportunities.
💰 Financial Support to Live & Work in Detroit - To support your next chapter in the city, selected participants will receive meaningful funding to invest in their futures and improve their lives in Detroit.
- Select participants will be offered $15,000 to be used towards a business investment/work project, downpayment, home renovation, or other housing subsidy.
- Participants not selected for the $15,000 stipends will be eligible for $1,000 in financial support to invest in a more comfortable quality of life in Detroit–think gym membership, kayaking lessons, meal delivery from your favorite Detroit restaurant or even relief from those daily expenses.
$15,000 stipends are limited. Eligible applicants meeting program criteria will be reviewed by the Move Detroit team, with final selections based on each candidate’s demonstrated long-term commitment to Detroit, and the projected personal & community impact of each candidate’s plans for their $15,000 stipend, to support them staying, building, and sparking growth in Detroit. Move Detroit may contact candidates as part of the stipend selection process.
Why It Matters
When Detroit’s entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners thrive, the entire city benefits. Make Detroit Home: Stay & Build is about more than the individual success of each participant—it’s about investing in these catalysts to build a stronger, more dynamic Detroit for all of us to enjoy.
You may qualify for the Make Detroit Home: Stay & Build program if the following apply:
You are a current Detroit, Michigan resident working as a creative, entrepreneur, and/or a small business owner.
The $15,000 stipends are limited. Applicants meeting required criteria will be reviewed by the Move Detroit team. Ultimate selections will be based on each candidate’s demonstrated long-term commitment to Detroit, and the projected personal and community impact of each candidate’s plans for the $15,000 stipend, designed to support City growth. Move Detroit may contact candidates as part of the selection process.
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Other Details
Program Categories
How It Works
This community is participating in the MakeMyMove on-platform application process. Apply in a few minutes. You’ll receive a response to your application, and will have access to a team to help along the way.
1. Apply
Fill out our fast application form to share your information and why you’re interested in making a move.
2. Get Pre-Approved
Qualifying applicants will receive an introduction to the local sponsors of the program who will answer your questions, and help you decide if the community is the right fit.
3. Confirm Eligibility
Once you’ve been selected, we’ll confirm your eligibility for the program and facilitate a formal offer from the community.
4. Accept and Make Your Move
Accept your offer to reserve your spot in the program, and let us know when you arrive to receive the incentive.