KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Many downtown businesses in Kalamazoo are struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but a new grant program hopes to keep them operational despite the slowdown.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has announced the creation of its Match on Main COOVID-19 Response Program, which will allow local businesses to tap into grant funding. The program is an expansion of an existing small business fund, with additional money made available because of growing needs during the outbreak.
The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership says the program will allow it to apply for up to $50,000 from the MEDC, which can then be awarded to businesses in need of financial help due to the pandemic.
KDP officials say that for them to apply to the Match on Main program they will need to receive applications from eligible business owners by next week.
Applicants will be required to submit their grant requests by email no later than Monday, May 25th at 5 p.m.
A released statement by the partnership states that up to 25 different businesses will be selected to receive $2,000 each in grant funding.
Eligible businesses include those that fall under the following criteria:
- The business was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak
- The business is for-profit and headquartered in Michigan
- The business has 25 employees or less
- The business sells products or services face to face within a traditional downtown, neighborhood or commercial district, or area planned and zoned for concentrated development
- The business has not already received or been approved to receive MSF Small Business Relief Program funding or an MEDC Match on Main grant within the last 24 months
Additional consideration will go toward low and moderate-income business owners who apply.
The program will not be accepting applications from non-profits, franchises, businesses located in strip malls, “big box” retailers, marijuana-related businesses, and businesses who have been approved to receive support from the Michigan Strategic Fund’s Small Business Relief Program or an MEDC Match on Main Grant within the last 24 months.
The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership says that Match on Main grants will be approved for businesses paying rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, payroll, as well as other ordinary business expenses.
Those interested in learning more about the program or have questions about eligibility can contact the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership at team@downtownkalamazoo.org or call (269) 344-0795.
Application Process
1. Interested businesses shall first download the Local Business Worksheet to their computer or laptop, complete and save the application. Businesses must then submit applications to the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership via email at team@downtownkalamazoo.org, no later than Monday, May 25 at 5:00 p.m. Due to the tight application deadline, worksheets received after that time will not be considered.
2. Businesses will be selected by a review committee comprised of the public, private and nonprofit sectors, including representatives from local economic development organizations, business support organizations, the City, and downtown businesses ineligible to apply. The committee will evaluate the worksheets using a scoring matrix provided by MEDC to determine which businesses will be included in the overall application. Businesses who meet eligibility requirements, demonstrate the greatest financial, and have not already received financial assistance will be given priority, but all eligible businesses are encouraged to apply. Please note: submitting a business application does not guarantee inclusion in the grant application.
3. The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership will notify all businesses selected as part of the grant application by Friday, May 29, 2020 and submit the grant application for consideration by the MEDC. The MEDC will announce awardees by Wednesday, June 10, 2020.
