Downtown Businesses Invited to Apply for Match on Main Grant

Published on March 04, 2026

A photo of the Kalamazoo mall at sunset.

The City of Kalamazoo is inviting downtown small businesses to apply for an opportunity to receive grant funding through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main program.

Through this program, the City can apply for up to $25,000 in reimbursement funding for two eligible businesses located in Downtown Kalamazoo. The City must first identify two businesses to include in its application to the MEDC.

Match on Main is a competitive grant program that supports place-based businesses that help create vibrant downtown districts. Applications are submitted by local governments or downtown development organizations on behalf of selected businesses.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, businesses must:

  • Be located within the City of Kalamazoo
  • Be located in a traditional downtown area, historic neighborhood commercial corridor, or area zoned for concentrated commercial development
  • Operate from a physical storefront with face-to-face sales
  • Have, or be able to obtain, site control prior to application submission
  • Be a Michigan-based for-profit or nonprofit business
  • Be able to provide the required 10% cash match

Franchises (including independent contractor franchise agreements), strip-mall locations, big-box retailers, and businesses primarily selling marijuana, CBD, or tobacco products are not eligible. Businesses that have previously received Match on Main funding are also ineligible, except those that received funding through the Match on Main COVID-19 Response Program or other MEDC/MSF COVID-19 relief programs.

Eligible Uses for Funding

Grant funds may be used for a variety of business improvements and investments, including:

  • Technical assistance such as design consulting or construction plans
  • Interior renovations, including floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, and permanent kitchen equipment
  • Permanent or semi-permanent outdoor spaces, such as outdoor dining areas or beer gardens
  • Marketing and technology upgrades, including website or e-commerce improvements Operational changes, point-of-sale systems, and retail inventory

How To Apply

Interested businesses must complete a pre-application form and download the MEDC Local Business Worksheet:

Pre-Application Form

MEDC Local Business Worksheet(PDF, 343KB)

Completed worksheets should be emailed to downtown@kalamazoocity.org by Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee representing public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including local economic development organizations and downtown business representatives. Applications will be scored using MEDC criteria, with priority given to businesses demonstrating financial need and those that have not previously received financial assistance. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.

The City of Kalamazoo will notify businesses selected for inclusion in the grant application by April 10, 2026. The City will then submit the full application to the MEDC for final consideration, with award announcements expected in July 2026. For more information about the Match on Main program, visit www.miplace.org/small-business/match-on-main.

Business owners with questions or who need assistance with the application can contact Downtown Coordinator Meghan Behymer at (269) 337-8993 or downtown@kalamazoocity.org.

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