Detroit City Wire

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced support for 31 small businesses across Michigan through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main program. The $748,018.82 in grants awarded will create resiliency and strengthen downtowns in communities throughout the state.

“Michigan’s small businesses are the beating hearts of our main streets and downtowns,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s Match on Main grants will create 76 good-paying jobs and provide 31 small businesses across Michigan with the support they need to grow and thrive. Together, we are growing our economy and making communities across Michigan more attractive to live, work, and invest. Let’s keep working together to ensure anyone can ‘make it in Michigan.’”

The grants are expected to create 76 full-time jobs and activate 8,835 square feet of vacant and underutilized space, with projects anticipated to generate a total private investment of more than $2.7 million. Of the 31 awardees, 22 businesses are located within Geographically Disadvantaged Areas.

The Match on Main program supports new or expanding place-based businesses seeking to launch and grow in core downtown areas by providing up to $25,000 in funding through a competitive application process. The FY24 Match on Main application window saw a record participation with a total of 113 applicants from 80 communities.

In February 2024, the MSF board approved $750,000 in funding to further strengthen Match on Main as a foundational MEDC program.

“Match on Main is an important tool for place-based small businesses and communities across Michigan and serves as a catalyst in driving small business investment and growth opportunities,” said Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President of Small Business Services at MEDC. “Through the Match on Main Program, we’re not just investing in small businesses; we’re revitalizing communities and fostering economic growth one entrepreneur at a time.”

Of the FY24 grantees awarded under this program, eight are new businesses while 23 are existing ones including restaurants, retail establishments, service providers, among others that demonstrate commitment towards community revitalization.

In Alpena, Mangos Express received a $25,000 grant for creating a walk-up counter and bar off an alleyway being transformed into a pedestrian-only public gathering space with local collaboration efforts.

“Our business will forever be positively impacted by being selected for this grant,” said Hugo Mendez, owner of Mangos Express. “We will be using this award to continue with the re-opening of Mangos Express which will also provide our community with more job opportunities.”

In Stevensville village, Watermark Brewing Company was awarded $22,157.36 to expand its beer garden transforming blighted property enhancing local appeal for residents and visitors alike.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Match on Main grant,” said Chris Mason co-founder Watermark Brewing Company.” This expansion allows us retain potentially increase workforce ensuring continued vital role Stevensville thriving business community.”

Small businesses employ over 1.8 million people in Michigan's economy where helping them open grow key focus MEDC offering opportunities through programs like Match On Main Street get more information online.

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