The Match on Main Grant Program, facilitated through the City of Cadillac, supports new or expanding place-based businesses located within the Cadillac Downtown Development Authority District or the Cadillac West Corridor Improvement Authority. This program offers up to $25,000 in reimbursement funding to eligible businesses. To receive funding, businesses must provide a 10% cash match. The program is designed to stimulate business growth, create jobs, leverage private investment, and help activate underutilized or vacant commercial space. The funds support various activities, including technical assistance, interior renovations, outdoor space activation, marketing, technology improvements, operational changes, and inventory purchases related to retail goods.

To qualify, businesses must have a permanent physical location and sell products and/or services face-to-face. Applicants must also be for-profit or non-profit organizations headquartered in Michigan, with control over the site before submitting the application. Ineligible businesses include franchises, businesses located in strip malls (unless part of a planned, mixed-use development), big box retailers, and businesses whose primary sales come from marijuana, CBD, or tobacco products. Additionally, businesses that have previously received or been approved for Match on Main funding are ineligible.

Grant funds may be used for technical assistance, including design work for interior or exterior layouts; interior building renovations such as floor, wall, or ceiling improvements, code compliance updates, or installation of permanent fixtures; activation of outdoor space for dining areas or beer gardens; and marketing and technology expenses like website upgrades, point-of-sale systems, and operational pivots (e.g., transitioning to carry-out service). However, the grant cannot be used for general maintenance, repairs, rent, employee wages, utilities, taxes, or equipment leases.

Applicants must complete a Local Business Worksheet, provide third-party cost estimates, proof of the 10% match, and photos showing the project space. New businesses operating for 12 months or less must also submit a detailed business plan reviewed by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC). Applications are due to the City of Cadillac by 5:00 PM on March 17, 2025. The City will then submit selected applications to the State by April 7, 2025. The State will announce grant awardees in June 2025, and selected businesses will have 12 months to complete their projects.

Applications are reviewed competitively, with the City selecting one application each from the Downtown Development Authority District and the Cadillac West Corridor Improvement Authority to forward to the State for consideration. The State may choose to fund both, one, or none of the applications based on statewide competition. Applicants may direct questions to John Wallace at 231-779-7325 or via email at jwallace@cadillac-mi.net. Completed applications must be submitted to Danielle Timmer at 200 N. Lake Street, Cadillac, MI 49601, or by email at dtimmer@cadillac-mi.net.