Match on Main 2026
Program Description
Match on Main is a reimbursement-based grant program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to support new and expanding place-based small businesses. The program provides up to $25,000 in grant funding to reimburse eligible project expenses incurred by an eligible small business. The Match on Main grant is applied for, administered, and managed by a municipality, downtown development authority, or other eligible downtown management, business support, or community development organization (the Applicant Organization). The Applicant Organization submits the application on behalf of the selected small business and serves as the grant administrator throughout the life of the award. Eligible Applicant Organizations include entities representing communities that are designated as Essentials or Certified Redevelopment Ready Communities® or Select or Master level Michigan Main Street Communities. The MEDC prioritizes place-based investment in these communities due to their demonstrated capacity to support small businesses through technical assistance, training, and local ecosystem development. The focus of Match on Main is to support businesses seeking to launch, expand, or stabilize operations within Michigan’s downtown and commercial corridors. Small businesses play a critical role in creating vibrant, economically resilient places, and this program aligns with MEDC’s broader placemaking and economic development goals
How the Match on Main Program Works
The Match on Main program provides reimbursement grant funding to support eligible small businesses seeking to launch or grow within Michigan’s downtown and commercial corridors. Grant awards may be made for up to $25,000 in eligible project expenses. The program is administered locally by an Applicant Organization, which is responsible for:
• Selecting an eligible small business
• Submitting the application to the MEDC
• Executing the grant agreement
• Administering grant funds
• Ensuring compliance with program requirements
Each Applicant Organization may submit up to two applications per funding round, with each application supporting one eligible small business located within an eligible downtown or commercial district.
Small businesses do not apply directly to the MEDC but are selected and supported by the Applicant Organization.
Qualifications and Deadline
Eligible Business
• The business is located within the geographic boundaries of the Applicant Organization’s district
• The business is located within a traditional downtown, historic neighborhood commercial corridor, or an area zoned for concentrated commercial development
• The business operates from a physical storefront and sells products and/or services face-to-face
• The business has, or will obtain, site control prior to application submission
• The business is for-profit or nonprofit and headquartered in Michigan
• The business can meet the required ten percent (10%) cash match
Eligible Uses
Grants may be utilized for the following eligible expenses:
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Interior Improvements: flooring, lighting, drywall, interior layout
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Technology: point-of-sale systems, inventory or scheduling software, website or ecommerce development
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Marketing: logo and brand development, professional photography, digital or print marketing materials
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Outdoor Activation: outdoor seating, lighting, planters, wayfinding elements
Ineligible Expenses
Ineligible expenses are exterior improvements that could be considered as general maintenance, repairs, landscaping, or other non-place-based outdoor activation; employee wages, salaries or benefits; rent, mortgage, land contract or building or land lease payments, utilities; leases for equipment, vehicle leases, vehicle payments; taxes, interest or insurance; professional fees; federal, state, or local application, licensing, permit or similar fees; bank or other lender financing, interest; inspection fees or costs; credit card processing fees; property acquisition; projects on residential property.
For more information, please visit the Michigan Economic Development website here: Match on Main | MiPlace (DO NOT SEND APPLICATION TO THIS LINK)
Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, March 27, 2026. Please email the completed application to kdeneau@adrianmi.gov