LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Friday that nearly $700,000 will go toward 28 Michigan communities to support small businesses.

The $697,325 in grants are expected to create 70 full-time jobs and 144 part-time jobs— plus the projects will generate an estimated $2.6 million private investment. Commercial Furniture

It’s all part of the Match on Main program which provides participating communities with funding.

Communities can participate as a select- or master-level community in the program or they can be considered an Essentials or Certified Redevelopment Ready Community.

Michigan communities that receive grant funding from the MEDC in turn award grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses looking for support.

“Thriving small businesses are the cornerstone of what makes Michigan’s downtowns unique and authentic while helping to create economic opportunity across the state,” MEDC Senior Vice President of Small Business Services Amy Rencher said. “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.”

Businesses can use the grants 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 and other working capital needs such as marketing needs and inventory expenses.

The following are April 2023 Match on Main grant winners:

“Michigan’s small businesses define our downtowns and with [Friday’s] Match on Main grants, we are supporting small businesses in both peninsulas,” Governor Whitmer said. “Together, we are going to make communities across Michigan more attractive places for families to live and work and for businesses to grow and invest. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator as we grow our economy, support good-paying jobs and build thriving towns across Michigan.”

Match on Main’s focus is to support place-based businesses as they look to launch and grow on main street.

Click here for more information about the program.

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