West Michigan Businesses Awarded Grants for Growth

News Summary

More than 20 businesses in West Michigan received $25,000 each through the state’s Match on Main program to support their growth. This initiative aims to strengthen local economies by funding place-based businesses. Notable recipients include Leaping Panda Hobbies in Hudsonville and Exclusive Finish Solutions LLC, which is set to develop a mixed-use space. Additionally, the Free Range Food Co-op secured over $1.5 million in funding for a grocery store aimed at providing organic foods. These grants mark significant investments in the region’s economic development and community enhancement.

Grand Rapids, MI – More than 20 businesses in West Michigan were recently awarded grants through the state’s Match on Main program, providing each selected business with $25,000 to support their growth. The approval of these grants took place in a meeting held by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board on Tuesday, furthering the state’s commitment to bolster new or expanding place-based businesses.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced this initiative, which distributes funds to businesses that show potential for contributing to their local economies. Among the grantees is Leaping Panda Hobbies, a business located in Hudsonville. The owner plans to enhance the store’s offerings by expanding the product line, constructing a four-wheel drive course, and renovating the physical store space. The goal is to effectively attract more members from the Hudsonville downtown area through targeted marketing efforts related to the new additions.

In addition to the Match on Main program, the city of Grand Rapids has been active in supporting development through its Emerging Developer Grant Program. This program focuses on housing projects and has provided nearly $2 million toward 13 projects intended to benefit underserved neighborhoods. The funds are designed to assist developers—particularly those with limited experience—by covering pre-development costs like site planning and environmental assessments.

This year alone, over $1.25 million has been allocated to emerging developers via grants from the Leveraging Local Brownfield Revolving Fund. In anticipation of future developments, the city plans to allocate approximately $2 million for the Emerging Developer Grant Program in the next fiscal year.

One notable recipient of the program is Juan Lopez, who owns Exclusive Finish Solutions LLC. Lopez has been granted $182,500 to develop a mixed-use space that will feature 17 apartments and a Cuban restaurant within a dilapidated building at 1516 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW. Additionally, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation awarded him an $874,000 grant for the project, which includes plans to add two stories to the existing structure, revitalizing the area further.

Another recipient, Ryan Cooper, received $39,500 to construct a second story on a vacant commercial building that will be adapted for rental apartments. This adaptation is part of broader efforts to address housing shortages in the region.

Meanwhile, the Free Range Food Co-op, a community-focused grocery store, has also secured significant funding. The Blandin Foundation granted the co-op $1.575 million for its construction project in Grand Rapids. The grocery store aims to serve the local community by providing locally sourced and organic foods. With over 1,200 owner-members who have contributed more than 9,500 volunteer hours and $1 million in startup funds, the co-op is well positioned to make an impact. The projected opening is set for 2027, with plans to ensure that at least 15% of products are sourced from local growers and producers. Additionally, the store will accept SNAP benefits and provide classes on nutrition and health.

Other local initiatives include a grant of $67,000 awarded by the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre for the installation of a sidewalk snowmelt system, which aims to enhance accessibility to cultural services in the area.

The various grants provided not only reinforce West Michigan’s business landscape but also signal a dedicated approach to fostering development across residential, commercial, and community sectors in the region.

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Additional Resources

• WOOD TV: Several West Michigan small businesses receive $25K grants
• Grand Rapids MN: Apply now for community foundation annual grants
• Crain’s Grand Rapids: Program for emerging developers invests $2M
• Wikipedia: Grant (money)
• Bemidji Pioneer: Blandin Foundation approves $1.575 million grant for food co-op
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Grant