News Summary

On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that 63 small businesses in Michigan received nearly $2 million in grants through the Match on Main program. This initiative, aimed at supporting businesses in downtown areas, allocated grants of up to $25,000 to help local enterprises launch, expand, and thrive. Among the recipients were Patch & Remington, awarded $8,500 for community initiatives, and Leaping Panda Hobbies, which received the maximum $25,000 to enhance offerings and attract customers. The funding is considered vital for revitalizing Michigan’s local economies.

Michigan – On Tuesday, 63 small businesses across Michigan were awarded nearly $2 million in grants through the Match on Main program. This initiative, approved by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, aims to provide financial support to businesses located in core downtown areas, enabling them to launch, grow, and thrive.

The grants, which offer funding up to $25,000 each, were allocated during a meeting of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board. This year saw an exceptional participation rate, marking the highest in the five-year history of the program. The funding aims specifically to support new or expanding place-based businesses, as detailed in the memo released by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Among the recipients, Patch & Remington, a community space based in downtown Marcellus, received an $8,500 grant. This establishment averages around 400 visitors every two weeks, offering art viewings, a coffee shop, and a space for games including euchre. The business has a unique motto: “In the middle of nowhere, accessible everywhere.” This represents its ambition to serve the local community effectively.

This is Patch & Remington’s first time applying for a grant specifically for its own growth, following two years of planning and participation in community initiatives. The business owner is now contemplating renovations as part of future expansion plans.

Another notable recipient is Leaping Panda Hobbies, located in Hudsonville, which received the maximum amount of $25,000. The store plans to enhance its offerings by expanding product lines, building a four-wheel drive course, and renovating its physical space to attract more customers. Other businesses also received significant funding through the program, aimed at bolstering Michigan’s local economies.

The increased funding through the Match on Main program is seen as a critical step in revitalizing downtown areas across the state. As local businesses grow and expand, they contribute to creating jobs and communities that attract even more visitors and residents alike.

Since its inception, the Match on Main program has been essential for many businesses looking to establish a presence in their local markets. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering small businesses that not only drive economic growth but also enhance community life.

As more businesses aim for resilience and growth, the state continues to seek out suitable measures that cater to the diverse needs of its small business community. In providing grants through programs like Match on Main, Michigan sets a framework for local entrepreneurs to succeed and innovate within their communities.