DOWNTOWN ALPENA
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grants + incentives

Do you have a business idea and don't know where to start? Or maybe you have an existing business that you want to relocate into Downtown Alpena. Or maybe you already have a business downtown and want to expand.

We would love to discuss the tools, grants, and resources out there to help you achieve your  goals! Below you will find an overview of the tools available to you if you are looking to invest in Downtown Alpena. If you'd like to learn more about opportunities in our downtown or any of the tools listed below, please contact DDA Director Anne Gentry at 989-356-6422 or anneg@alpena.mi.us

to launch your business

dda recruitment grant

The Recruitment Grant program is offered by the Alpena DDA to encourage existing businesses to relocate or expand within Downtown Alpena. Grants up to $10,000 for moving expenses, signage, and  other capital expenses. Business must have been in operation for more than 3 years and fall into a priority category for the DDA (food, hospitality, retail, entertainment)

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Learn More

match on main

Match on Main is a program offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for new or existing businesses to launch or grow downtown, with a focus on reactivating underutilized space. Grants up to $25,000 for capital expenses, addition of outdoor dining, technical assistance,  or business/ marketing technology.

The DDA selects and submits the application for up to two eligible businesses each round, which typically happens twice a year.
Learn More

revolving loans

Target Alpena Development Corporation offer two local, low-interest revolving loan programs, with loans available between $5,000- $50,000 For more information, contact Alpena Economic Development Director, Mike Mahler, at (989) 354-4181 or mmahler@alpenachamber.com

to renovate a property

If you're looking to renovate a property downtown, you'll hear us mention the MEDC quite a bit! The MEDC offers various grants and incentives for brick-and-mortar, multi-use renovation projects in the downtown. Otherwise known as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the MEDC is the economic development arm of the State of Michigan government. Chances are, you've seen their tools at work in our downtown.

The two primary grant programs are listed below. We'd be happy to set up a time to meet with Lindsey Miller, our region's representative, who can go over any grants, loans, or other incentives available through the MEDC.

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Community Revitalization Program (CRP)
The CRP program offers grants and loans to mixed-use redevelopment projects within the DDA district. A CRP grant cannot exceed $1.5 million or more than 50% of project costs, whichever is greater. For larger projects, a low-interest CRP loan can be offered.
Learn more
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Build MI Community Grant
This is a new grant program offered by the MEDC that operates similarly to the CRP process but on a smaller scale! This program is also oriented towards those who have never used MEDC tools before. Grants are offered between $50,000-$250,000 (maximum 50% of project costs).
Learn More

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DDA Facade Grant Program
The DDA Facade Grant Program offers grants up to $10,000/ facade with required 50% cash match for rehabilitation of exterior buildings that face a public right of way or public parking lot. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Design & Beautification committee and approved by the full DDA Board.
Learn More

other helpful information + resources

Small Business Development Center
If you haven't already, we strongly encourage you meet with our area's SBDC rep, Carl Bourdelais, who can offer free business consulting to clients. They can help with writing a business plan, reviewing financial projections, providing market research, and more. You can contact Carl at carl.bourdelais@outlook.com or (989) 358-7383. You can also peruse a wide variety of free online business resources and webinars on the Michigan SBDC's website by clicking here.michigansbdc.org/

Redevelopment Liquor Licenses
If you've dreamed of opening a cocktail bar, wine bar, or full service restaurant, you may be eligible for a Redevelopment Liquor License! These licenses are Class-C on premise licenses that are available for $20,000 if you put $75,000 of work into your building before it is issued. Because of the amount of investment our downtown has seen, we have quite a few of these available within the DDA District. Contact Anne Gentry for more information at anneg@alpena.mi.us or 989-356-6422.


Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

124 E. Chisholm St.
Alpena, MI  49707
(989) 356-6422
Our Downtown
Plan a Visit
Arts & Culture
Food & Drink
Shopping
Events
In the Media
Testimonials
Alpena DDA
About Us
Downtown Dollars
Downtown Street Performers
Facade Grants
Fresh Waves
Social District


Grow Your Business
Available Properties
Business Resources
For Merchants
Recruitment Grant

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  • Our Downtown
    • Testimonials
    • In the Media
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Arts + Culture
    • Food + Drink
    • Shopping >
      • Apparel + Accessories
      • Books
      • Home + Gift
      • Fitness + Outdoor Recreation
      • Specialty Shops
    • Events >
      • Alpena Ice Festival
      • Shades of Fall
      • Restaurant Week
  • Grow Your Business
    • Available Properties
    • Grants + Incentives
    • For Merchants
  • DDA Info
    • PROPOSED BOUNDARY EXPANSION
    • Programs + Projects >
      • Alpena Downtown Ambassador Program
      • Downtown Beautification
      • Downtown Dollars
      • Downtown Street Performers
      • Facade Grants
      • Fresh Waves Mural Project
      • Retail Recruitment Grant
      • Social District
      • Social Media Boosted Post Matching Program
    • Press
    • Contact Us
  • Parking