LANSING, Mich. -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) support for 63 small local businesses across Michigan through the MEDC's Match on Main program. $1.49 million has been awarded in grants to these businesses.

Match on Main grants will create 166 new full-time and 278 part-time jobs to a total of 444 new jobs, activating over 107,000 square feet of vacant and underutilized space.

Match on Main is a program that supports new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding for them to launch or grow in core downtown areas and commercial districts.

Following the results of a five-year program impact study conducted by Guidehouse, the MEDC doubled its investment into Match on Main with the MSF board approving an allocation of $1.5 million to the program for FY25 in December 2024, ensuring Michigan’s small businesses continue to succeed in the state.

“Michigan’s small businesses are the heart of our downtowns,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Today’s Match on Main grants will provide 63 small businesses across the state with the support they need to grow, thrive, and create bustling, vibrant main streets. By investing in our communities and developing attractive places across the state, we will continue to make Michigan a place where businesses and families choose to locate, grow and succeed.”

Of the FY25 Match on Main grantees awarded, 17 are new businesses and 46 are existing businesses, including 20 restaurants, 22 retail establishments, four service businesses, and 17 other businesses that demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing community infrastructure and boosting local employment. Additionally, 50 businesses selected are located within Geographically Disadvantaged Areas.

Five businesses in our area are among them:

• City of Niles Downtown Development Authority/Main Street Program
  • Locri, LLC. Front Street Pizza Pub
  • $25,000
• Village of Stevensville
  • Applied Arts, LLC
  • $25,000
• Village of Marcellus Downtown Development Authority
  • Flyover Art
  • $8,500
• Downtown Development Authority of the City of South Haven
  • Nature's Country Cupboard
  • $25,000
• Sturgis Downtown Development Authority
  • Layered Clothing, LLC
  • $25,000

You can find out more info on Match on Main's website.