Grants announced for 31 small businesses in Michigan, creating 76 new jobs

LANSING, Mich.– Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) support for 31 small businesses across Michigan through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Match on Main program. The $748,018.82 in grants for local small businesses are designed to build resiliency and strengthen downtowns in communities across the state.

“Michigan’s small businesses are the beating heart 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 strengthening our economy and making communities across Michigan more attractive to live, work and invest in. Let’s continue to work together to ensure everyone can make it in Michigan.”

The grants are expected to create 76 full-time jobs and activate 8,835 square meters of vacant and underused space. The projects are expected to generate private investment totaling over $2.7 million. Of the 31 benefiting companies, 22 are located in geographically disadvantaged areas.

The Match on Main program serves as a tool to support new or expanding local businesses seeking to start and grow in central downtown areas and business districts. It provides up to $25,000 in funding to support an eligible small business through a competitive application process. During the FY24 Match on Main application period, a total of 113 applicants from 80 communities were received – the highest participation to date.

In February 2024 The MSF Board of Directors approved a grant of US$750,000 to further strengthen Match on Main’s role as a foundational MEDC program and ensure that Michigan’s small businesses will continue to thrive in the state.

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

FY24 match for primary recipient

Of the businesses supported by Match on Main in fiscal year 2024, eight are new and 23 are existing businesses. These include 15 restaurants, nine retail stores, five service businesses and two other businesses that demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing community infrastructure and supporting local jobs.

In Alpena, the city awarded Mangos Express a $25,000 grant to install a counter and bar behind the building that faces an alley. The alley is being converted into a pedestrian-only public gathering place in partnership with the DDA, the city of Alpena and surrounding businesses.

“Being selected for this grant will have a lasting positive impact on our business,” said Hugo Mendez, owner of Mangos Express. “We will use this award to advance the reopening of Mangos Express, which will also provide more jobs for our community. Our number one goal is to always give back to our great community that has given us so much.”

In the Village of Stevensville, Watermark Brewing Company received a $22,157.36 grant to expand its beer garden. The development will transform an existing, blighted property, enhance the local downtown corridor, and increase the area’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Match on Main scholarship,” said Chris Mason, co-founder of Watermark Brewing Company“This expansion allows us to retain and potentially grow our workforce and ensures we continue to play an important role in Stevensville’s thriving business community. In addition, it positions Stevensville as a major destination for beer lovers and tourists, further strengthening the local economy.”

July 2024 Match on Main Scholars

Michigan’s small businesses are a vital part of the state’s economy, employing more than 1.8 million people. A focus of MEDC is helping businesses open and grow. The Match on Main Street program provides new and expanding businesses in Main Street districts the opportunity to grow and succeed. More information about the Match on Main program.

About the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and leading advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with a focus on Michigan’s economic growth. For more information about the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your journey begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn and On twitter.