Small Business | MiPlace

Grow your Small Business with MEDC Services

MEDC's small business services supports the creation, growth and retention of small businesses located in traditional downtowns or neighborhood commercial districts, in addition to downtown management organizations, community leaders and partner organizations. MEDC’s support of new and existing main street businesses, as well as the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, helps foster a supportive business climate and provides tools and resources that are accessible statewide to aid in small business success.

Match on Main

Match on Main is a reimbursement grant program that serves as a tool to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding to support an eligible small business.

Initiate Business Retention Training Series

MEDC’s Community Development and Capital Access teams have partnered with Northern Initiatives to offer an online learning portal that gives small businesses access to valuable resources to help them grow and thrive in today’s economy.

MI Local Biz

MEDC, in conjunction with the Detroit-based crowdfunding platform, Patronicity has developed a creative funding mechanism to offer quick access to capital for small local businesses in this great time of need. The MEDC will match crowdfunding raises on a 1:1 basis up to $5,000 for eligible small businesses experiencing economic challenges as a result of COVID-19. Applications are now closed.

Community Capital Resources

Community Capital is simply money that comes from the community and goes to the community. This type of democratized capital that yields a return for its investors can be a viable financial resource to start or grow a small business.

Doing Good Business

Good For Michigan brings together and recognizes companies across Michigan that are making a positive impact on their employees, their community, and the environment. This initiative offers resources and best practices for sustainable and social good.

Small Business Partners

MEDC partners with several different service providers and supports resources to launch, nurture and grow businesses in the state.

Small Business Entrepreneur Stories

Don't take our word for it. Explore small business entrepreneur success stories to see community development in action.