Match on Main Grant Opportunity

The Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is inviting businesses located within the DDA district to express interest in applying for the MEDC Match on Main reimbursement grant, which offers up to $25,000 in funding for eligible, place-based business projects.

To be considered, please express interest via email to DDAGrantAdmin@elkrapids.org by 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 2. Questions are welcome anytime.

GRANT DETAILS

• Eligible Expenses include interior building renovations, technical assistance, outdoor space activation, technology, inventory, and general marketing.

• This is a reimbursement grant; businesses must cover expenses up front and provide a 10% cash match.

• Only expenses incurred after April 14 are eligible for reimbursement.

APPLICATION SUPPORT

The DDA can submit up to two applications to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Businesses selected will receive support from:

• Janet Rentsch, DDA Grant Administrator

• Theresa Marshall, DDA CEDAM Fellow

We will assist you in writing and compiling the application and navigating the full process.

TIME COMMITMENT & TIMELINE

• Interested businesses must be available to meet in person on April 7 or 8 to complete the application (it will take an estimated 4 hours).

• Additional time (4–6 hours total) will be needed to provide the required documents and estimates.

• The final application is due to MEDC by April 14.

BUSINESS SELECTION PROCESS

Businesses expressing interest will be prioritized based on MEDC evaluation criteria. Criteria include project alignment with community goals, innovation, local impact, business stability, and financial readiness.

If you are interested, please email DDAGrantAdmin@elkrapids.org by 12:00 P.M. on April 2. We are happy to discuss your project idea and help determine if it fits this grant opportunity well.