Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that 28 communities across the state have been awarded a total of $1,011,057 in grants that are aimed at supporting small local businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Match on Main Grant Program.
This is to ensure that Michigan continues its strong job growth after adding 67,000 jobs in the last three months.
“The Match on Main grants are helping us put small businesses first and build on the 145,000 jobs we added last year by continuing to invest in our communities and main streets across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am so grateful to our hardworking, innovative small business owners who form the backbone of our economy, create jobs, and help countless local communities thrive. We will continue investing in them as we usher in a new era of economic prosperity for Michigan.”
“Thriving small businesses are what make Michigan’s downtowns unique and authentic while helping to create economic opportunity across the state,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “These Match on Main grants will help local businesses find new paths to growth and create and retain jobs, while further developing vibrant, unique, and attractive places where people want to live, work, and play.”
MEDC’s Match on Main program provides funding to communities that participate as a select and master level community in the Michigan Main Street Program, or are a Certified Redevelopment Ready community.
The communities, who receive the grant funding from the MEDC, in turn award grants of up to $25,000 to eligible business seeking support.
The grants are expected to create or retain 75 full-time and 153 part-time jobs, and the projects are expected to generate a total private investment of more than $1.7 million.
Officials say the Match on Main grants may be used by the by the business for eligible expenses that support technical assistance, interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent activation of an outdoor space, permanent or semi-permanent business infrastructure related to COVID-19 recovery efforts, and other working capital needs such as marketing needs and inventory expenses.
Additional needs identified by the business and supported by the local community are also considered.
One of the communities that received funding from the grant program was the City of Alpena. They were awarded $25,000 to support Fresh Palate, a downtown Alpena restaurant that is focused on providing healthy, organic, fresh meals in an energetic, earth-conscious, friendly, comfortable environment.
Officials say the restaurant will use the funds to completely renovate an underutilized property in downtown Alpena into a retail space with a bar. It will help to expand the downtown’s newly established social district.
“I can’t thank the MEDC enough for the Match on Main grant award! This gives me hope that the future economy of our downtown community is staying strong and in fact thriving in this uncertain time in history,” said Eric Peterson, owner of Fresh Palate. “A grant of this size makes me feel comfortable that I can complete my expansion project without stressing the whole time over money. A thriving downtown community brings vibrancy and sustainability to a thriving local economy. Business owners really have to put themselves out there and help from someone like the MEDC goes a long way.”
“We are thrilled to have two projects in Downtown Alpena selected for support through the Match on Main grant program. Both projects will allow our small businesses to grow and expand– and help our downtown thrive as a year-round destination as well,” said Alpena Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Anne Gentry. “The addition of igloos at Hopside Brewery will allow visitors to dine outside year-round, even throughout the winter months. The new bar and food truck court by the Fresh Palate will activate a vacant building and parking lot into a vibrant new food experience downtown. We appreciate the MEDC’s support to move these projects forward and help Downtown Alpena grow.”
You can view a list of northern Michigan communities who received funding from the grant program below:
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