Match on Main Grant Program


Program Highlights

  • Match on Main is a reimbursement grant program that serves to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding to support eligible activities.

  • Applicants are local units of government, DDA, or other management districts located in certified Redevelopment Ready Communities® or Michigan Main Street Communities.

  • The applicant will determine which business within their district is selected for inclusion in the final application for support. Applicants are responsible for dispersing funds to businesses.

  • The maximum award to any individual applicant is $25,000 (enough to support only 1 eligible business). Applicants may submit no more than 2 applications.

  • This program is NOT a COVID-19 response program and does not support COVID-19-related expenses such as rent, payroll, utilities, etc.

Program Description

Match on Main is a reimbursement grant program, provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, that serves as a tool to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding to support an eligible small business through an application submitted, administered, and managed by the local unit of government, downtown development authority, or other downtown management or community development organization where the business is located.

The MEDC finds value in supporting place-based businesses located in certified Redevelopment Ready Communities® and Michigan Main Street districts, given the local capacity that has been built to support new and existing small businesses through the technical assistance, training, and education communities gain by participating in these programs. The grant applicant –which is the local entity applying on behalf of the small business seeking grant support – must represent a community that is a certified Redevelopment Ready Community® or is a select or master level Michigan Main Street Community.

The fiscal year 2021 Match on Main program is not a COVID19 relief program and does not address the immediate challenges that many small businesses are facing as a result of COVID19 impacts. The focus of Match on Main is to support place-based businesses as they seek to launch and grow on Main Street. Small businesses are the cornerstone of what makes Michigan’s downtowns unique and authentic. This program aligns with the MEDC’s strategic focus areas, including the continued effort toward developing attractive places.

For more information, visit Match on Main.