MEDC OPTIMIZE MAIN STREET

 Optimize Main Street is designed to support place-based businesses located in eligible Michigan communities, by providing technology-related technical assistance and grant funding. Through the increased technology expertise and use of digital tools, participating businesses will aim to refine efficiency in business operations, improve connectivity to customers, and/or increase sales. The Optimize Main Street program is implemented through a combination of one-on-one business coaching, a customized learning module, and a $2,500 for technology grant to support project implementation. 

 Program Goals:

Optimize Main Street strives to:

• Support business resiliency and sustainability by increasing awareness and skills on technology and digital tools through blended learning, including training, 1-on-1 coaching, and self-paced learning modules.

• Provide funding to participating small businesses to support the implementation of a technology-related project that will lead to improved business operations, diversify sales channels, and/or attract new customers.

• Support Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing a small business retention and growth tool that eligible organizations can leverage to provide value to their small business customers.

 How the Optimize Main Street program works:

Each participating community will select up to two businesses to put forth for the Optimize Main Street program, based on the organization’s sole discretion and desired selection process. Once businesses are selected, the local applicant will complete the Optimize Main Street Application (Appendix A). Within the application, the sponsoring community/non-profit will list the business(es) within their district that they have selected to participate in the program. Prior to the Optimize Main Street Application being submitted, all participating businesses must complete an online Business Technology Assessment  (Appendix B). The Business Technology Assessment is estimated to take 45 minutes to complete. Once the application window closes, the MEDC will review applications in the order in which they were received. Applications and Business Technology Assessments will be reviewed to ensure that selected businesses meet eligibility requirements. Once eligibility is determined, MEDC staff will contact selected businesses, notify them of program selection, and introduce them to their business coach at Northern Initiatives.  Due to the volume of businesses being supported with this program, businesses will be referred to  Northern Initiatives in three rounds based on the order in which their applications were received.  Eligible businesses put forth to participate in the Optimize Main Street program will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funding is allocated.

• First Round (June and July 2023) – 37 businesses

• Second Round (August and September 2023) – 37 businesses

• Third Round (September and October 2023) – 36 businesses

 When the identified funding round for the awarded businesses arrives, the participating business will work directly with Northern Initiatives to complete the program requirements which must be completed within 45 days from notification of program selection.