Match on Main

Match on Main is a reimbursement-only grant program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that serves to support new and expanding place-based small businesses while strengthening Michigan’s downtowns and commercial districts. The program provides funding of up to $25,000 per project to support eligible activities such as interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent outdoor space activation, technical assistance, design services, marketing, technology upgrades, point-of-sale systems, and inventory purchases for retail goods.

Small businesses do not apply directly to the MEDC. Instead, eligible Applicant Organizations—which include local units of government, Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs), Michigan Main Street organizations, or other eligible downtown management/community development organizations—apply on behalf of selected businesses within their districts. Applicant Organizations must represent communities designated as Essentials or Certified Redevelopment Ready Communities®, or Select or Master level Michigan Main Street communities. Communities review and score applications locally and may select up to two businesses per funding round for submission to the MEDC.