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
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. |
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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.
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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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. |
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.
Grants 101 (or things you should know about writing for, receiving, and using grants)
In our downtown, grants have been essential to transform buildings and launch some of the amazing downtown businesses you know today. If you are considering investing in downtown and are interested in utilizing grant funding, here are some helpful tips:
Next Steps
Are you ready to be a part of Downtown Alpena? Before you even begin considering a project, we recommend you:
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.
Grants 101 (or things you should know about writing for, receiving, and using grants)
In our downtown, grants have been essential to transform buildings and launch some of the amazing downtown businesses you know today. If you are considering investing in downtown and are interested in utilizing grant funding, here are some helpful tips:
- Grants require some type of cash match. Especially for larger scale renovation projects and funding through the MEDC, you will be required to match the grant with your own cash (typically 50%) or a loan through a bank.
- Grants are considered income for you business, which means in many cases, you will have to pay taxes on the grant. Make sure you check with your accountant about any liability and legal requirements when it comes to grants as revenue.
- Grants take time. A typical application period for a grant (especially those through the MEDC) can be anywhere from 3 months- year, depending how quickly you supply the necessary documentation. Don't be scared by the timeline!
- Grants require third-party cost estimates for renovation. Whether you're completely updating a building or purchasing store fixtures, you will need third-party cost estimates for any of the grants listed above. Contractors are VERY busy so this step often slows projects down. Make sure to check they are licensed, insured, and getting proper permits with the City.
Next Steps
Are you ready to be a part of Downtown Alpena? Before you even begin considering a project, we recommend you:
- Meet with the SBDC to create a business plan
- Meet with an attorney or lawyer to discuss your business structure and any legal requirements
- Establish a relationship with a bank or credit union (note, if you are utilizing any MEDC funding, Nicolet National Bank has worked through their grant process)
- Get third-party cost estimates for the property renovation
- Reach out to the City Building Department to answer any permitting, building, or zoning questions
- Reach out to the DDA Office! We would love to talk to you about your business idea, opportunities downtown, and point you in the right direction. Reach out today to Anne at 989-356-6422 or anneg@alpena.mi.us