EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing Downtown Management Board (DMB) is considering applying for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)’s Match on Main - COVID-19 Response Program for businesses located in the DMB boundary.
This competitive grant program provides the opportunity for up to 25 small businesses to receive $2,000 each in grant assistance, with a total $50,000 being available within a business district. A complete list of business eligibility criteria set by the MEDC can be found here: https://www.miplace.org/match-on-main.
For the DMB to apply, individual business information must be submitted with the grant application materials. Businesses interested in participating must complete Appendix C of the application at https://www.miplace.org/match-on-main and submit it to DMB Director Amy Schlusler-Schmitt at aschlus@cityofeastlansing.com by Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m.
If more than 25 businesses who meet the eligibility requirements submit Appendix C materials to the DMB by the deadline, an impartial grant review committee may be convened (which would not include DMB members) and businesses would be selected to be part of the grant application using criteria developed by the MEDC by Thursday, May 28, 2020. The DMB would need to submit its grant application by the program deadline, which is Friday, May 29, 2020.
“During this COVID-19 crisis, the East Lansing Downtown Management Board is working hard to pursue grant opportunities and educate our downtown merchant community on all financial resources available to them, and we will continue to seek out additional support opportunities for the DMB businesses in the months ahead,” said DMB Director Amy Schlusler-Schmitt.