Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced thousands of dollars in Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grants are heading to Southwest Michigan in support of creating jobs and spurring private investment. Communities with businesses receiving the grants include South Haven, Niles, Cassopolis, and Allegan.
“Michigan’s small businesses define our downtowns, and with today’s Match on Main grants, we are supporting small businesses in both peninsulas,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, we are going to make communities across Michigan more attractive places for families to live and work and for businesses to grow and invest. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator as we grow our economy, support good-paying jobs, and build thriving towns across Michigan.”
The MEDC Match on Main grants total of $697,325. According to their news release, “…the program provides funding to communities that participate as a select and master level community in the Michigan Main Street program or are considered an Essentials or Certified Redevelopment Ready Community. The communities, who receive the grant funding from the MEDC, in turn award grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses seeking support.”
City of Niles Downtown Development Authority: Goodship Inc. $25,000 for interior building improvements that will allow this guitar strap manufacturer to create a “flagship” location in downtown Niles;
Village of Cassopolis: Ploughman’s Market and Deli. $25,000 for outdoor dining area and interior building renovations to enable the new restaurant to open its doors;
City of South Haven Downtown Development Authority: Oh My Darlings. $25,000 to support interior building improvements to enhance entryway and visitor experience (guest service area) for this children’s museum; and
City of Allegan: A-Tech Complete Computer Solutions. $25,000 for interior building improvements to allow the computer repair and sales business to expand into an adjacent storefront.
Grants may be used by the business for eligible expenses that support technical assistance, interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent activation of an outdoor space, permanent or semi-permanent business infrastructure, and other working capital needs such as marketing needs and inventory expenses. Additional needs identified by the business and supported by the local community are also considered.
