synopsis 

Urbane provided its expertise through the design and structuring of the GGP initiative to ensure the development of the program was tailored to the needs of the Detroit grocery community. The first phase of the initiative focused on the operational needs of existing supermarkets and grocery stores in Detroit. Urbane brought together a technical assistance team comprised of industry consultants and experts to support participating stores. Additionally, Green Grocer staff acted as a one-stop shop for supermarket and grocery owners, acting as a clearinghouse for information and resources.  

In phase two, Urbane focused on facilitating the expansion and renovation of existing supermarkets and grocery stores in Detroit. Stores participating in the initiative were eligible for grant, loan, line-of-credit, and loan guarantee products in tandem with technical assistance.  The third phase focused on the attraction and development of new supermarkets and grocery stores in Detroit. Urbane proposed flexible financing options for new construction projects, as well as technical assistance resources for the pre-development phase of the project. Urbane also proposed outreach to supermarket operators outside of Detroit through comprehensive marketing materials for grocery operators and developers to highlight opportunities within Detroit.   

The final phase of the project targeted the retrofitting of existing liquor and convenience stores to accommodate the addition of fresh and perishable food items to their existing product offerings, including physical enhancements, such as cold storage, full kitchen design, and visual merchandising/display equipment. Store owners were also offered operational technical assistance, marketing support, and access to additional low-cost working capital.