Update: this year’s application window closed on March 27, 2026. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation expected to announce awards in July 2026.
The City of Kalamazoo invited downtown businesses to apply for Match on Main, a competitive grant program from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that supports place-based businesses.
Local governments and downtown organizations apply on behalf of the businesses they select. The City could apply for up to $25,000 in reimbursement funding for two eligible downtown businesses, and each business provides a 10% cash match.
Who could apply
- Businesses in a traditional downtown, historic neighborhood commercial corridor or concentrated commercial area in Kalamazoo
- With a physical storefront and face-to-face sales
- That have, or can get, site control before applying
- Michigan-based for-profit or nonprofit businesses
Franchises, strip-mall locations, big-box retailers, and businesses that mainly sell marijuana, CBD or tobacco weren’t eligible. Most businesses that already received Match on Main funding weren’t either.
Key dates
- March 27, 2026, 5 p.m.: completed worksheets due
- April 10, 2026: selected businesses notified
- July 2026: MEDC award announcements expected
Questions about future rounds: email downtown@kalamazoocity.org or call (269) 337-8993.
Read the original release (opens in a new tab) from City of Kalamazoo.