Match on Main

The Match on Main program, provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), is a reimbursement grant program that supports new or expanding place-based businesses. The program aims to create and grow place-based businesses, provide access to capital, create and retain jobs, leverage private investment, and activate vacant or underutilized commercial spaces, while equipping local communities with an effective business recruitment and retention tool.

Eligible applicants include local units of government, downtown development authorities, Michigan Main Street organizations, or other downtown management and economic development entities representing a traditional downtown district, historic neighborhood commercial corridor, or area zoned for concentrated commercial development. The applicant must represent a community designated as an Essentials or Certified Redevelopment Ready Community or a Select or Master level Michigan Main Street community. Eligible businesses supported must be Michigan-headquartered for-profit or non-profit entities with a physical storefront providing face-to-face goods or services, must hold or be acquiring site control, and must contribute a 10% cash match. Ineligible businesses include franchises, strip mall tenants (unless zoned for concentrated mixed-use development), big-box retailers, businesses primarily selling marijuana, CBD, or tobacco, and past Match on Main awardees.

Funding supports permanent commercial space improvements including technical design assistance, interior building rehabilitation, outdoor space activation, marketing, point-of-sale and technology upgrades, operational transitions, and retail inventory. Ineligible expenses include routine maintenance, non-place-based landscaping, employee wages and benefits, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, equipment or vehicle leases, taxes, professional or legal fees, permit/application fees, lender financing costs, and property acquisition.

Small businesses do not apply directly to MEDC; instead, they must work through their local eligible applicant organization. Eligible applicants may submit up to two applications per funding round, each selecting one eligible business. The application submission requires an MSF Background Certification Form, the Applicant Worksheet, the Local Business Worksheet, third-party cost estimates supporting the total project investment, at least three project photos (interior and exterior), and a third-party reviewed business plan for businesses operating 12 months or less. Applications are submitted via the MEDC online portal.