Match on Main

Goal/purpose: Match on Main is a reimbursement grant program that serves as a tool to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing funding to support an eligible small business. It aims to support the creation and growth of place-based businesses, provide access to capital, create and retain jobs, leverage private investment, and activate vacant or underutilized space.

Additional applicant eligibility criteria: The grant applicant must represent a community that is an Essentials or Certified Redevelopment Ready Community or is a Select or Master level Michigan Main Street Community. Eligible applicants include municipalities, downtown development authorities, or other downtown management, business support, or community development organizations.

Project eligibility: The business must be located within a traditional downtown, historic neighborhood commercial corridor, or area planned and zoned for concentrated commercial development. The business must sell products and/or services face to face and have a physical location. Eligible expenses include technical assistance, interior building renovation, permanent or semi-permanent activation of outdoor space, general marketing, technology, operational changes, or inventory expenses related to retail goods.

Application process: Small businesses do not apply directly to MEDC. Instead, eligible communities identify and support local businesses through a locally administered selection process. The eligible applicant will select one eligible business per application (maximum of two applications per funding round) and submit the application on their behalf through the MEDC portal during the open funding round.