Match on Main Program is sponsored by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Provides grants to support new or expanding place-based small businesses in Michigan's downtown areas and commercial districts.

Thousands of Resources, Ready to help. Grant Administration Manual Supporting Vibrant Downtown Businesses Across Michigan Match on Main is part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) broader community development efforts to support vibrant, resilient, and inclusive downtowns and commercial districts across Michigan.

The program provides reimbursement-based grant funding of up to $25,000 per project to support new and expanding place-based small businesses, while leveraging local leadership and community-driven selection. Through partnerships with local communities, Match on Main helps small businesses grow while strengthening Michigan’s downtowns and commercial districts.

The Match on Main has worked to help current and future place-based small businesses thrive. Here's how the program stands out above others. have been contributed since 2019.

are still in business after the program. $20M in private investment have been leveraged from awarded businesses. $58,200 average annual revenue increases per awarded business.

Match on Main is a reimbursement-only grant program administered by the MEDC. Grant funding supports defined, place-based projects that help activate commercial districts, encourage private investment, and strengthen local economies. Small businesses do not apply directly to MEDC.

This locally administered approach ensures funding decisions are community-driven and aligned with local priorities. Instead, eligible communities identify and support local businesses through a locally administered selection process.

Eligible Applicant Organizations Applications are submitted by an eligible Applicant Organization, which may include: Local units of government Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs) Michigan Main Street organizations Other eligible downtown management or community development organizations Applicant Organizations apply on behalf of a selected business located within their downtown or commercial district.

Applicant Organizations must represent communities designated as either: Essentials or Certified Redevelopment Ready Communities®, or Select or Master level Michigan Main Street communities Local Outreach & Business Selection Applicant Organizations solicit applications from eligible businesses within their downtown or commercial district.

Communities review and score applications using a documented local process and may select up to two businesses per funding round for submission. The MEDC reviews submitted applications for eligibility, compliance, and alignment with Match on Main requirements. Final funding decisions are made by the Michigan Strategic Fund.

Project Completion & Reimbursement Approved businesses complete their projects in accordance with the approved scope and timeline. Following project completion, the Applicant Organization submits a final disbursement request to the MEDC. Reimbursement is contingent upon submission of all required documentation and MEDC approval.

How Grant Funding Is Paid Match on Main is a reimbursement-only grant program.

Grant funds are released only after the approved project is fully completed One lump-sum reimbursement is issued per project Grant funds are paid by the MEDC to the Applicant Organization, which reimburses the supported business Advance, partial, or milestone-based payments are not permitted Match on Main supports place-based projects that strengthen downtown businesses and activate commercial space, including: Interior building renovations Permanent or semi-permanent outdoor space activation Technical assistance and design services Marketing, technology upgrades, and point-of-sale systems Inventory purchases for retail goods (where allowable under program guidelines) All expenses must align with the approved project scope and program guidelines.

Project Timeline & Expectations Applicant Organizations submit applications during an open funding round Eligible expenses may be incurred beginning on the application submission date Projects must be completed within twelve (12) months of grant agreement execution, unless an extension is approved Extensions are not guaranteed and must be requested in advance.

Anticipated Application Window: March 1, 2026 – April 24, 2026* Review the Match on Main Program Guide Conduct local outreach to eligible businesses Submit applications through the MEDC portal during the open funding round Contact your local downtown organization, municipality, or Main Street program to learn about Match on Main opportunities in your community Apply now for Match on Main Important Update: Application Deadline Extended *The Match on Main application deadline has been extended to Friday, April 24 at 5:00 PM to allow additional time for communities to complete and submit applications.

Please note that the application portal is intended for use by eligible Applicant Organizations only (e.g., Redevelopment Ready Communities and Michigan Main Street communities). All application entries and required uploads must be completed and submitted by the Applicant Organization. Applications submitted directly by small businesses will not be considered.

Small businesses interested in applying should work directly with their local community to be included in a submission. Match on Main Success Stories With a vision to remake their bakery’s seating area, Ishpeming's Doozers applied for and won a Match on Main grant in 2024.

The $25,000 grant, matched with $25,000 of their own money, was administered by the Lake Superior Community Partnership, a Small Business Support Hub in nearby Marquette. Their work on the space was completed in November 2025. Children’s Museum of Branch County In July 2025, the MEDC awarded a $25,000 Match on Main grant to the City of Coldwater DDA on behalf of the Children’s Museum of Branch County.

The museum will install a vertical climbing wall exhibit, providing additional offerings to its young visitors and families. As the former Michigan Main Street director for Grayling, Rae Gosling knew her true passion was in becoming a small business owner. In 2022 she applied for the Match on Main program funding to assist with the purchase of inventory for her specialty books and games store, Hidden Nook Booksellers.

Tecumseh Bread and Pastry Operating Tecumseh Bread and Pastry since 2016, Arlo and Alisyn Brandl started by working out of a catering company’s building during off hours. As the recipient of a Match on Main in April 2022, they were able to expand the business into a larger brick and mortar location in the heart of downtown Tecumseh.

The Curator, a specialty antique shop and home goods boutique in downtown Grayling, opened in October of 2019 by owners Erich and Penny Podjaske. With help from Match on Main grant funds, the business was able to purchase initial inventory and a point-of-sale system, enabling them to further invest in the rehabilitation of the interior space.

Coratti’s Pizzeria, Bar and Bocce A $25,000 Match on Main grant awarded to Howell helped to transform a vacant call center building into Coratti’s Pizzeria, Bar & Bocce. After opening its Howell location in 2021, Pete expanded the business to a second Coratti’s Pizzeria in Ann Arbor in July 2025.

Appendix A - At a Glance Program Fact Sheet Appendix B - Community Information and Certification Form Appendix C - Local Business Application Worksheet Appendix D - Local Business Scoring Sheet & Community Checklist Alignment Appendix E - Local Business Score Comparison Appendix G - MSF Background Certification Form Appendix H - Scope Change Request Form Appendix I - Grant Disbursement & Final Report Form Exhibit A - MSF Resolution Guidelines Match on Main Community Marketing Toolkit Access the Community Marketing Toolkit Match on Main Program and Application Process If you are looking for information regarding how to submit your application, application eligibility, uses of funds, etc., then please reference the program application process video below.

CORRECTION NOTE: The application window closes Monday, April 20th at 5pm. View Presentation Slides Here Watch this video to help you through the Match on Main program details, overview of application process, eligibility and more.

Related Community Development Programs Match on Main works in coordination with other MEDC community development initiatives, including: Redevelopment Ready Communities® Public Spaces Community Places Community Development Services & Training