COLDWATER, Mich (03 Oct. 2022) – The City of Coldwater’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is accepting applications for the “Match on Main” grant program through October 23rd. Interested applicants can download the application form here. “Match on Main” is a reimbursement grant program provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as a tool to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding.
Eligible uses of funds include technical assistance, building renovation, permanent and semi-permanent activation of outdoor space, and general marketing and technology, among others. To be eligible, businesses and nonprofits must offer face-to-face goods or services, have a physical location within the downtown, and are required to have a minimum 10% match of funds.
The Match on Main program requires communities to administer a local application process before selecting up to two projects to submit to MEDC for consideration for funding. Applications to the DDA will be scored using the eligibility requirements provided by MEDC and a list of local criteria. Coldwater’s local criteria will evaluate projects based on whether applicants have sought business support programs in the recent past, to what extent businesses are actively involved in downtown projects and programs, and whether the business type was identified by the community as a priority, according to the 2022 Pulse Poll: retailers, restaurants, and experience-based businesses. The DDA must submit its selected projects to the MEDC by October 28th. MEDC will announce the winners the week of December 5th, 2022.
Applications for local businesses are available on the City’s website, and by contacting Audrey Tappenden directly at atappenden@coldwater.org or 517-279-6913. Questions? Contact Audrey Tappenden at atappenden@coldwater.org or 517- 279-6913.
Match on Main is only available to Main Street communities, and communities who have achieved certification through the MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) program. The DDA was a recipient of a $35,000 Match on Main COVID-19 Response Program grant in 2020, when the program was adapted and made eligible to all communities throughout Michigan. Those funds were allocated to nine downtown businesses. More recently, El Taco Loco received an $18,000 Match on Main grant to assist with architectural plans for a potential restaurant expansion and apartments project.
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