Cities like Milwaukee and Portland are now following Detroit’s blueprint

Motor City Match celebrates 10 years with 192 new Detroit businesses

Posted on Click on Detroit Channel 4 | August 7th, 2025 | Brandon Carr

DETROIT – Another milestone for the city of Detroit, as Motor City Match marks its 10th anniversary with the opening of 192 new businesses.

Candela Detroit officially opened its doors Thursday (Aug. 7) night as Detroit’s newest entertainment venue.

But this represents far more than just another new business.

This marks a decade of transforming Detroit’s neighborhoods, one small business at a time.

“This is one of my first projects, but there’s going to be some other stuff coming up in the future. So, I look forward to you guys coming and supporting. This is a space that we rented out for private events like weddings, quinceañeras, to graduations. We do corporate events. We’re in the process right now of building a full commercial kitchen, and I am beyond excited about that as well.”Candela Detroit Owner Paula Paola

The numbers tell the story. Motor City Match has invested nearly $20 million in Detroit businesses.

Around 85% of these businesses are owned by minorities. And 70% are owned by women.

The program’s success has also caught national attention.

Cities like Milwaukee and Portland are now following Detroit’s blueprint.