The City of Kalamazoo is inviting downtown small businesses to apply for a chance to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Match on Main program. 

Match on Main is a competitive reimbursement grant program that supports new or expanding small businesses located in vibrant downtown districts across Michigan. The City of Kalamazoo may apply to the MEDC on behalf of up to two eligible businesses, each of which may receive up to $25,000 if the application is successful. 

Before submitting its application to the MEDC, the City must first identify two eligible local businesses to include. Businesses interested in being considered must meet the following criteria: 

  • Be located within the City of Kalamazoo 
  • Operate within a traditional downtown, historic neighborhood commercial corridor, or an area zoned for concentrated commercial development 
  • Operate from a physical storefront and sell goods or services directly to customers 
  • Have, or obtain, site control prior to application submission 
  • Be a for-profit or nonprofit organization headquartered in Michigan 
  • Provide the required 10% cash match 

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

Grant funding may be used for a variety of business improvements and expansion efforts, including: 

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

Interested businesses must complete a pre-application form and download the MEDC Local Business Worksheet, both available on the City’s website at www.kalamazoocity.org/MatchOnMain. 

Completed worksheets must be submitted to downtown@kalamazoocity.org by Friday, March 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered. 

Applications will be reviewed by a committee representing public, private, and nonprofit partners, including local economic development organizations. Proposals will be evaluated using MEDC scoring criteria, with priority given to businesses demonstrating the greatest financial need and those that have not previously received financial assistance. 

Submitting an application does not guarantee selection. 

The City will notify businesses selected for inclusion in Kalamazoo’s Match on Main application by April 10, 2026. Final grant award announcements from the MEDC are expected in July 2026. 

For more information about the Match on Main program and eligibility requirements, visit: www.miplace.org/small-business/match-on-main.  

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