Downriver Today

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced that 19 towns would receive $491,834 in grants to facilitate area businesses and bolster their downtowns.

“Thriving small businesses are the cornerstone of what makes Michigan’s downtowns unique and authentic while helping to create economic opportunity across the state,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “With the support of the Match on Main program, we can help local businesses grow and create jobs, while further developing vibrant and attractive places where people want to live, work, visit and play.”

According to a news release by the governor’s office, the grants will support 135 full-time jobs with the projects believed to bring in over $2.9 million in private investment.

“Michigan’s unique downtowns are the heart of our communities, and with today’s Match on Main grants, we are helping small businesses in both peninsulas by investing in bustling commercial districts for people to visit, shop, and dine in, attracting more talent and new investments,” said Gov. Whitmer. “These grants will help our cities and towns continue to grow and thrive, building on our ongoing economic momentum. Currently, Michigan’s unemployment rate is 4.4% and we have experienced 11 straight months of job growth, adding 174,000 jobs year over year in March. We will keep our foot on the gas to grow our economy, create more jobs, and invest in small businesses.”

The release reported the grants can be utilized by businesses to pay for renovations, technical support, outdoor space, marketing and inventory expenses,

“Collaboration on this work with partners like the DDA and other community members is essential to our program. We're fortunate to be tenant-owners of our space inside the new Common Grounds real estate cooperative project, so shared value and community well-being are part of the DNA of this program—there's been a huge shared effort to bring this program as far as it is and it will continue to be a critical component of the success of the program over time,” said Principal Design Strategist at Further Degree and Northern Blooms Project Facilitator Kate Robinson. “Childcare is critical infrastructure and we're excited to chart new paths with local partners that care about this community as much as we do.”

Further assistance that small businesses need that have the backing of the local community could also be eligible for the grants, according to the release.  

“Collaboration with local partners within our community is very important to us. Our family has lived and worked in Southwest Detroit for generations. Detroit is home, and with all of the renewed interest in the area we are excited about the potential,” said the owners of Elda’s Restaurant, Emilio Feliciano and Elda Castellanos. “Without the help from Match on Main, our business wouldn't be possible.”