Open, grow, take part
Business resources
Grants, permits, programs and the people to call, for anyone running a business or planning one in downtown Kalamazoo.
In shortThis page lists grants, permits and downtown programs for businesses, with links to apply. For help, email downtown@kalamazoocity.org.
Grants & funding
Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants
$5,000 grants for for-profit microbusinesses in the city of Kalamazoo: open at least a year, 10 or fewer employees, and $1 million or less in yearly revenue. A partnership of the City and United Way of South Central Michigan, funded by the Foundation for Excellence. Application dates vary by round, so check the United Way page.
Match on Main
A state grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for storefront businesses in downtowns and commercial corridors. The City applies on behalf of the businesses it selects. In 2026 it could request up to $25,000 for two downtown businesses, with a 10% match.
Event & marketing sponsorships
The DDA and DEGA sponsor downtown events: up to $2,500 for a single-day event and up to $5,000 for a multi-day event.
Permits & plans
Social District permit
Licensed bars and restaurants inside the Social District can apply to serve drinks people can carry within the Commons Area.
Building or renovating
New construction and major changes go through the City’s site plan review. You can see recently approved downtown plans, too.
City business help
Licenses, development and working with the City of Kalamazoo.
Get the word out
Get listed in the directory
Add or update your listing in the Explore downtown directory with your website, a short description and whether you take Downtown Dollars.
Accept Downtown Dollars
Join the businesses that take Downtown Dollars. Customers can spend them at your door for five years.
Put your event on the calendar
Workshops, sales, shows and celebrations. Every submission is reviewed before it’s posted.
Use the brand
Window decals, stickers and the downtown patterns help customers spot you. Email us for brand files and guidelines.
Downtown services
Downtown Ambassadors
Cleaning, snow removal, graffiti and a friendly face on the street, seven days a week.
Waste & recycling
Smart Bigbelly bins on downtown sidewalks, emptied when they’re full.
Parking for customers and staff
The first 90 minutes are free in the Epic Center and Kalamazoo Mall ramps.
Stay in the loop
- Get the downtown newsletter for events, programs and grant rounds.
- Come to a DDA & DEGA board meeting, the third Monday of the month.
- Follow Streets for All construction (opens in a new tab) if you’re on Kalamazoo Avenue.
- Planning for the holidays? See the holiday partner toolkit.
Talk to the downtown team
Email downtown@kalamazoocity.org
Call (269) 337-8993, or 311 for City services.
Marketing plan library
Presentations, data, plans and projections behind downtown marketing.