MEDC Small Business Services
Main street businesses, “mom and pops”, locally owned, bricks and mortar retail and place-based entrepreneurs are just a few of the names used to describe the small businesses that reside in Michigan’s downtowns. These businesses provide a unique and authentic experience in communities across Michigan and contribute to the overall sense of place. They provide goods and services as well as places to eat, sip and shop for residents and visitors while adding to the vibrancy of the downtown core.
Community Development’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.
The 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” is a grant program, provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, for small businesses located in Select or Master level Michigan Main Street communities.
Small businesses are the cornerstone of Michigan Main Street Communities. Many small businesses have difficulty gaining access to capital. Match on Main will provide a unique opportunity for new and expanding businesses located in Main Street districts. This grant program will provide funding to Select or Master level Michigan Main Street programs to support small business owners as they explore ways to improve the interior space.
The MEDC finds value in supporting place-based businesses located in Michigan Main Street districts, given the local capacity that has been built to support new and existing small businesses through the technical assistance, training and education provided by the Michigan Main Street program.
There is a benefit to the community to activate vacant or underutilized space, attract new customers, and overall see a vibrant downtown district. The local Main Street Program serves as the applicant for this program bringing knowledge of new and expanding businesses, an understanding of market realities, the needs of the downtown, the ideal business mix, and available properties. They serve as a conduit to connect the small business owner with resources available through the Small Business Development Center and the potential opportunities for funding through Match on Main.
In FY20, the MEDC will accept applications from select and master level Michigan Main Street communities in conjunction with an eligible business. Please review the FY20 Program Guide for the funding round deadlines and important dates.
For more information small businesses should contact their local Main Street director. You can also download the Match on Main FY20 Program Guide.
Community Development recognizes the importance small businesses have in shaping vibrant downtown districts. Through partnerships with small business resource providers, various trainings for small businesses are offered throughout the year. Stay tuned for the small business training scheduled offered and visit the training and events calendar for more information.
