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Build MI Community Grant Initiative

Developers

Build MI Community Grant Initiative

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Program Overview & Goals

The Build MI Community Grant is an initiative designed to promote private investment in Michigan communities. Administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), this tool provides access to real estate development gap financing for small scale, incremental redevelopment projects.

The Build MI Community Initiative has been established to re-activate underutilized or vacant space into vibrant areas by promoting capital investment into redevelopment projects being taken on by developers and property owners with limited real estate development experience and familiarizing them with the development process in order to position them to potentially undertake more complex projects in the future.

Award Structure & Funding

Support will be in the form of a grant and will range between $50,000 and $250,000, but not greater than the lesser of 50% of project costs for any project. For communities with populations of 15,000 or less, 30% of the annual funding will be set aside until March 30th of each fiscal year. Disbursement of grant funds will follow development milestones with 100% of the award being awarded at construction completion and issuance of a "Certificate of Occupancy" as well as completion of other performance-based criteria. Applicants may also be eligible for additional funding, up to 10% of project award, for real estate development training and/or technical assistance.

Process

All applicants are required to submit an application while working with their Community Assistance Team specialist. The timing for project consideration is impacted by various factors which may include changes to project scope, inadequate or incomplete documentation, and project complexities.

The following is a high-level summary of the process:

  • Applicant provides completed application with additional supporting documents.
  • MEDC reviews project based on the criteria and if project aligns with CD goals and program guidelines, an LOI will be issued.
  • MEDC staff completes a full statutory and financial review.
  • MEDC prepares a recommendation to the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board authorized delegates for project approval.
    MEDC drafts appropriate legal agreement.
  • Applicant completes milestones outlined in the agreement and necessary for disbursement of funds.
  • Applicant completes required reporting following project completion.
  • MEDC completes compliance verification and project closeout.

Project Considerations

The most competitive project submissions will also address local and regional impact, place, and economic and financial considerations. These considerations are listed below by category and are in no particular order. A project will be considered more competitive for funding the more criteria that are met.

Local and Regional Impact Considerations

  • Project supports the vision and goals stated in the local master plan, downtown plan, capital improvements plan and/or economic development strategy.
  • Project supports region-wide economic development strategy or initiative.
  • Readiness of infrastructure – utilities, housing, transportation, public transit and other community services. Is project filling available capacity or creating need for new community or state investments in infrastructure/resources?
  • Located in a community participating in the Redevelopment Ready Communities program.
  • Located in a designated Michigan Main Street community.
  • Located in a Geographically Disadvantaged Area (GDA) 

Place Considerations

  • Development maintains urban form that is zero-lot lined, pedestrian oriented, with integrated rear entry, or off-site parking, and/or includes the availability of transportation alternatives.
  • Contributes to a traditionally dense mixed-use area and, where possible, contains multi-story elements. Development maintains district character, density, number of stories appropriate to its surroundings.
  • Rehabilitation, infill and historic revitalization projects.
  • Promotes mixed-income neighborhoods.
  • Addresses improvement to non-motorized transportation.

Economic and Financial Considerations

The following financial conditions will be considered by staff when determining a project’s competitiveness for Build MI Community grant support:

  • Availability of financing for the project
  • Long-term financial viability of the project as demonstrated through project proforma
  • Financial need for the project is exhibited

More Information

Program Guidelines

Developer Toolkit

Build MI Community Factsheet

Application

The Build MI Community grant application is now available and can be downloaded below. Please note, prior to starting a project, or filling out any part of the BMC application, it is very important to work closely with the local municipality and with your Community Development Manager. Your Community Development Manager can provide valuable assistance toward a successful BMC request as well as save you time if the project is not competitive.

Download BMC Grant Application

Your Community Development Manager can also be found by using the interactive map below. 

Contact the Community Development Managers Team

Community Development Managers provide personalized support and guidance to your community based on its location in Michigan. Interact with the Map on the left to find your contact by region.

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