URGENT Match on Main - Potential Grant Funding Opportunity
A new round of Match on Main grant funding has been announced from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This provides the Marquette DDA the opportunity to apply for grant funds to assist a small business looking to launch or grow in Downtown Marquette! This application period is currently open.
Match on Main Grant Program:
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 an eligible small business through an application submitted, administered, and managed by the DDA. As the applicant, the DDA may submit up to two separate applications on behalf of two eligible businesses, with one grant being awarded. Several Downtown Marquette businesses are currently in the process of completing their recent Match on Main grant projects or have recently completed their projects.
Eligible Businesses:
· The business is located within the downtown district
· The business is a for-profit or non-profit headquartered in Michigan
· The business sells products or services face to face within a traditional downtown, neighborhood or commercial district, or area planned and zoned for concentrated development
· The business will have, or intends to have, control over the site for which they are applying prior to Match on Main application (proof of signed lease may be required)
Ineligible Businesses:
· Franchises
· Businesses located in strip malls
· "Big Box" retailers
· Marijuana, CBD, or tobacco related businesses
Eligible Uses of Grant Funds:
Grant funds may be used by the business for eligible expenses that support technical assistance, interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent activation of an outdoor space, and other working capital needs such as marketing needs and inventory expenses. Additional needs identified by the business and supported by the local community will also be considered.
Application Process:
Step 1: Interested businesses shall first download the Local Business Worksheet .PDF (above) to their computer or laptop. The interested business should complete the application and submit it, along with required estimates, photos, and other required information to the MDDA no later than Monday, February 6, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. Due to the tight application deadline, worksheets received after that time will not be considered.
Step 2: The MDDA will evaluate the worksheets using a scoring matrix to determine which business(es) will be included in the overall application(s) to the MEDC. Please note: submitting a business application does not guarantee inclusion in the MDDA's grant application.
Step 3: The MDDA will submit a grant application for review and consideration by the MEDC by Friday, February 24, 2023. Awardees will be announced by the MEDC in the spring of 2023.
Learn more about the Match on Main program here: https://www.miplace.org/small-business/match-on-main/
This is a valuable opportunity to apply for financial assistance for your downtown business, so act quickly. Feel free to contact me at Tara@downtownmarquette.org or 228-9475 ext. 103 if you have any questions. Let's do something great together!
Sincerely,
Tara Laase-McKinney
Executive Director
Marquette Downtown Development Authority
(906) 228-9475 ext. 103