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Match on Main
General · Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) · MI
Match on Main is a Michigan state grant, run by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, that reimburses eligible downtown small businesses up to $25,000 for costs like renovations and marketing, but you must apply through your local government or downtown organization in a qualifying Michigan community.
Match on Main is a Michigan state grant program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to support new and expanding downtown small businesses. It provides reimbursement grants of up to $25,000 per project to help cover costs such as interior renovations, commercial space activation, technical assistance, marketing, and inventory.
Unlike a typical grant application submitted directly to a state agency, Match on Main works through local partners: businesses apply through an eligible local community organization, specifically the local government or Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in a community that holds Redevelopment Ready Communities or Michigan Main Street designation. This structure means the program is only available in participating downtowns across Michigan, and the local partner plays a role in the application and selection process.
For a small business owner planning to open or grow a location in a qualifying downtown district, this program can offset some of the upfront costs of getting a storefront ready for customers or refreshing an existing space. Because it is a reimbursement grant, funds are typically provided after eligible expenses are incurred and documented, though applicants should confirm the exact reimbursement process with their local partner organization.
Award amounts, open application rounds, and eligibility details should be confirmed at the official state site, since funding rounds and program parameters can change from year to year. Business owners interested in Match on Main should first check whether their downtown community participates in the Redevelopment Ready Communities or Michigan Main Street programs before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is Match on Main a grant or a loan?
It is a reimbursement grant, not a loan, funded through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, grant funds do not need to be repaid, but it is a reimbursement grant, meaning you typically pay for eligible expenses first and are reimbursed afterward.
How much money can I get?
Grants are available up to $25,000 per project; confirm current award amounts at the official source.
Who is eligible?
Place-based small businesses in eligible downtowns with Redevelopment Ready Communities or Michigan Main Street designation, applying through their local government or DDA.
Can I apply directly to the state?
No, applications go through an eligible local community organization such as a local government or DDA, not directly to MEDC.
What can the funds be used for?
Eligible uses include interior renovations, commercial space activation, technical assistance, marketing, and inventory.
What is the deadline to apply?
The listing notes to check current rounds; confirm exact deadlines at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Apply through your local government or Downtown Development Authority, with program details at https://www.miplace.org/small-business/match-on-main/.
Is this available outside Michigan?
No, this program is limited to eligible downtowns in Michigan (MI).
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the source or with a tax professional.
Who runs this program?
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) administers Match on Main.
Does my business need to be new or can it be established?
The program supports both new and expanding downtown businesses, according to the summary provided.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.