$1.5 million in grant money will fund the start-up or growth of 63 businesses across Michigan, focusing on strengthening commercial districts in downtown areas.
The “Match on Main” grants from the Michigan Strategic Fund are expected to create 166 new full-time jobs and 278 part-time jobs.
In the West Michigan region, the $25,000 grants will support Jose Babushka’s Mexican/Polish restaurant in East Grand Rapids, Bound Beauty salon in Greenville, MI Grounds restaurant in Plainwell and Leaping Panda Hobbies in Hudsonville among others.
The “Match on Main” program aims to revitalize downtown areas by providing financial resources for the economic development of small businesses in the heart of small towns and cities across Michigan.
A study on the impact of the grants over five years showed success, and the state has now doubled its investment in the program for 2025.
