News Summary

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled $1.49 million in grants for 63 local businesses under the state’s ‘Match on Main’ program. This initiative aims to support small businesses, foster job creation, and stimulate the local economy. The program, which has seen a record number of applicants this year, provides financial aid to diverse business types, including restaurants and retail. Since its launch in 2019, the program has generated significant private investment, demonstrating its impact on Michigan’s economic landscape.

Lansing, Michigan – In a move aimed at fostering economic growth, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a total of $1.49 million in grant funding for 63 local businesses through the state’s “Match on Main” program. This initiative seeks to promote job creation and bolster the local economy by providing financial resources to small businesses in the state.

The “Match on Main” program, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), has been a pivotal resource for new and expanding businesses since its inception in 2019. This year marks a notable milestone, as the program received the highest number of applicants in its history, reflecting the growing need for financial support among small businesses. The grants, which can reach up to $25,000 per recipient, are aimed at a diverse array of business types, including retail, restaurants, and service industries.

For the fiscal year 2025, the grants have been distributed to various businesses, which include 20 restaurants, 22 retail establishments, four service businesses, and 17 categorized as “other”. Among the recipients is Leaping Panda Hobbies in Hudsonville, a business poised to use the funding to expand its product offerings and renovate its store for a better customer experience.

Of the 63 businesses awarded grants this year, 17 are newly established, while 46 are existing businesses. Governor Whitmer highlighted the critical role that small businesses play in Michigan’s downtown areas and emphasized that the program’s financial support is essential in creating lively main streets that attract customers and enhance community pride.

Since the “Match on Main” program launched, it has contributed significantly to Michigan’s economy, resulting in approximately $17 million in private investment from businesses that received grants. This financial support has directly facilitated the creation or retention of hundreds of jobs, underscoring the program’s impact on local employment rates.

Amy Rencher, who serves as the Senior Vice President of Small Business & Talent at the MEDC, noted the program’s importance in aiding small businesses and stimulating economic activity in local communities. The MEDC operates by allocating funds to local governments and development organizations through the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), thereby enhancing local economies across the state.

In addition to the 63 businesses receiving funding this year, over 50 other local businesses statewide have also benefited from the “Match on Main” program, further supporting the ongoing economic recovery and growth of Michigan’s business landscape.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Michigan’s economy through support for small businesses, which are often viewed as the backbone of local communities. As towns and cities continue to recover and thrive post-pandemic, programs like “Match on Main” are crucial for fostering resilience and innovation among Michigan’s entrepreneurs.