KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Four Southwest Michigan businesses were each awarded a $25,000 in grant through the Match on Main program.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC, announced on Friday, April 7 that 28 small businesses across the state would be receiving a portion of $697,325 in grants, anticipated to create 70 full-time jobs and 144 part-time jobs, expected to generate more than $2.6 million.
“Michigan’s small businesses define our downtowns, and with today’s Match on Main grants, we are supporting small businesses in both peninsulas,” said Whitmer. “Together, we are going to make communities across Michigan more attractive places for families to live and work and for businesses to grow and invest.”
Match on Main provides funding to communities that participate in the program as a select and master-level community or are considered an essentials or certified redevelopment ready community, officials said.
Communities who receive funding, are awarded grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses in need of support, according to the governor’s office.
Officials say grants can be used by the business for eligible expenses that support technical assistance, interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent activation of an outdoor space, permanent or semi-permanent business infrastructure, and other working capital needs such as marketing and inventory expenses.
The four businesses in Southwest Michigan receiving a total $100,000 are as follows:
- City of Allegan – A-Tech Complete Computer Solutions – $25,000 for interior building improvements to allow the computer repair and sales business to expand into an adjacent storefront.
- Downtown Development Authority of the City of South Haven – Oh My Darlings – $25,000 to support interior building improvements to enhance entryway and visitor experience (guest service area) for this children’s museum.
- City of Niles dba Niles Downtown Development Authority – Goodship Inc. – $25,000 for interior building improvements that allow this guitar strap manufacturer to create a “flagship” location in downtown Niles.
- Village of Cassopolis – Ploughman’s Market and Deli LLC – $25,000 for outdoor dining area and interior building renovations to enable the new restaurant to open its doors.
