Michigan Match on Main
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) — Michigan Strategic Fund
Up to $25,000
Downtown small-business grants
A reimbursement-based grant program supporting new and expanding place-based small businesses in Michigan's traditional downtowns and commercial districts. MEDC provides up to $25,000 per project, with the business contributing a 10% cash match, to fund building improvements, equipment, and other place-based investments. Businesses do not apply directly — applications are submitted by a local downtown organization (a Michigan Main Street community at the Select/Master level, or an Essentials/Certified Redevelopment Ready Community) on behalf of selected businesses. Since 2019 the program has contributed roughly $5.9M and leveraged about $20M in private investment, with 91% of funded businesses still operating. The 2026 application window ran March 1 to April 24, 2026.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $5,000 – $25,000
- Realistic amount
- Most awards approach the $25,000 ceiling for interior buildouts and equipment; the program's…
- Deadline
- Annual — 2026 window ran March 1 to April 24, 2026 (local deadlines may be earlier).
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- Michigan
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Place-based small business located in a qualifying Michigan downtown/commercial district
- Community must be a Select or Master level Michigan Main Street community, or an Essentials/Certified Redevelopment Ready Community
- Business must be nominated/sponsored by the local downtown organization or municipality (no direct business application)
- Business must not have previously received or been approved for Match on Main support
- Must provide a 10% cash match
- Project must be completable within 12 months
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Interior building renovations and buildout
- Permanent or semi-permanent outdoor space activation
- Technical assistance and design services
- Technology upgrades and point-of-sale systems
- Marketing
- Inventory for retail goods (where allowable)
Ineligible expenses
- Costs incurred before grant-agreement execution (reimbursement only)
- Acquisition of real estate
- Ongoing operating expenses unrelated to the approved project
How to apply
-
1
Confirm your downtown is eligible
Check that your business sits in a Select/Master Michigan Main Street community or an Essentials/Certified Redevelopment Ready Community, and contact that local downtown organization.
~2 hrs
-
2
Get selected locally
The local organization runs a documented selection/scoring process and may forward up to two businesses per round. Make your project case (scope, cost, 10% match) to them.
~4 hrs
-
3
Local org submits to MEDC
The community submits the application to MEDC, which reviews for eligibility and compliance. The Michigan Strategic Fund makes the final award decision.
~3 hrs
-
4
Complete project and claim reimbursement
Execute the grant agreement, complete the project within 12 months, then submit documentation for a single lump-sum reimbursement.
~4 hrs
The real gate is your local downtown organization — the state caps how many businesses each community can forward (often two per round). Build the relationship with your DDA or Main Street manager well before the March window so you're one of the businesses they choose to nominate.
Deadline & timing
MEDC opens an annual statewide window (March 1–April 24 in 2026). Because businesses are nominated through their local downtown organization, the local internal deadline is often earlier than the state window close. Confirm timing with your local Main Street / DDA / Redevelopment Ready community.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.