Nine Michigan Main Street communities receiving more than $260,000 in grants for local businesses
Funds will support 11 small businesses in communities around the state
CHARLEVOIX, Mich. — Nine communities around Michigan have been awarded more than $260,000 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced last week.
Introduced in March, the Match on Main program was intended to provide grants of between $5,000 and $25,000 to Select or Master level Michigan Main Street communities in conjunction with eligible businesses seeking support. Projects could include interior building renovations, furniture and fixtures, permanent equipment, point of sale systems, marketing expenses, and inventory. Participating businesses must also have worked with the Michigan Small Business Development Center on a business plan. The cities of Niles and Saline were selected in March as the first two communities to pilot the program.
“Small businesses drive the economies of our communities,” said Michelle Parkkonen, Director of Community Development Technical Assistance Programs at the MEDC. “These grants will support local businesses, further strengthening the downtowns and commercial districts in these communities, while building unique places that are attractive to residents and visitors.”
2019 Match on Main grant winners include My Grandmother’s Table, a new business that opened on October 5th in downtown Charlevoix. My Grandmother’s Table (MGT), inspired by a loving relationship between grandparents and their grandson, is a Charlevoix Farmers Market success turned storefront. As a bakery café & coffee bar in a prime location in Charlevoix, MI, MGT offers both plate and retail service. International dishes and baked goods, both savory and sweet as well as traditional and vegan, comprise the menu. They produce specialty selections including items that are gluten-free along with a delicious array of coffee drinks. Thanks to $25,000 from the Match on Main program, My Grandmother’s Table made the following purchases to complete their project: Refrigerated Sandwich & Salad Prep Table, Hot Food Table, Wells for Above Prep Tables, Donut Fryer, Donut Fryer Hood, Dough Sheeter, Commercial Floor Mixer, two Commercial Mixers, and two Commercial Food Processors.
“Charlevoix Main Street DDA's Transformational Strategy is twofold: Health & Wellness and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. With the overarching goal of improving the year round economy in the downtown, My Grandmother’s Table fulfills the goals of the Charlevoix Main Street DDA Board in a multitude of ways,” says Main Street DDA Director, Lindsey Dotson. “Additionally, results from our Top Prospects Survey that was conducted in 2017 identified coffee house/bakery and specialty foods market as the top two most desired types of businesses in the downtown. My Grandmother's Table fulfills many needs in Charlevoix by being dedicated to serving vegan & gluten free options, being open year round with consistent after 5pm hours, being a full service bakery, and adding diversity & convenience to the dining options in town.”
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About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org . Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn , and Twitter.
About Charlevoix Main Street DDA
The mission of the Charlevoix Main Street program is to strengthen the year-round economic vitality of our vibrant historic business district through community efforts, events, and public/private partnerships while fostering a sense of community pride and ownership. For more information about Charlevoix Main Street DDA and our initiatives, visit www.downtowncharlevoix.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.