The City of Kalamazoo is seeking applications from local small businesses to participate in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main program. This competitive reimbursement grant initiative is designed to support new or expanding small businesses that enhance the vitality of traditional downtown districts. The City may nominate up to two eligible businesses for funding consideration, with each business potentially receiving up to $25,000 in grant support.

Match on Main is administered by the MEDC and requires that applications be submitted through local units of government or downtown development organizations. The City of Kalamazoo will manage the application on behalf of the selected businesses. In order to be eligible, businesses must be for-profit, headquartered in Michigan, employ 25 or fewer individuals, and operate in a traditional downtown, neighborhood commercial district, or similarly zoned area. Additionally, they must not have received funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Small Business Relief Program or a Match on Main grant in the last 24 months.

Businesses that fall under certain categories are not eligible for this opportunity. These include nonprofits, franchises, businesses located in strip malls, big-box retailers, marijuana-related businesses, and any business that has previously received Match on Main or MSF Small Business Relief Program funding within the last 24 months.

Grant funding may be used for a wide range of business support activities, including technical assistance (such as construction planning and consulting), interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent outdoor activations, marketing, technology upgrades (like website and e-commerce improvements), operational transitions, point-of-sale systems, and retail inventory.

Interested businesses must first complete a pre-application form and submit the required MEDC Local Business Worksheet. Both items must be submitted via email to development@kalamazoocity.org by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025. Submissions received after this deadline will not be accepted.

A selection committee composed of public, private, and nonprofit sector representatives will review applications based on MEDC scoring criteria. Priority will be given to businesses that demonstrate significant financial need and have not previously received similar funding. Selection does not guarantee funding; the final decision lies with MEDC. Selected applicants will be notified by April 4, 2025, and the final MEDC grant application will be submitted thereafter. Award announcements will be made on June 26, 2025.

Applicants needing assistance may contact Kevin Ford, Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Coordinator, by phone at (269) 337-8322 or via email at development@kalamazoocity.org. Additional program information can be found at https://www.miplace.org/small-business/match-on-main.