Explore grants and funding opportunities for your business to grow and thrive in Downtown Alpena. Whether you are launching your business, renovating a property, or expanding your enterprise, we are here to help you get ready for business here in our growing downtown.
DDA Incentives
The DDA has two programs it launched in September 2024 to support the creation and growth of economically viable businesses within the DDA district. Applicants may apply to both programs on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to businesses that fall into the following:
- Food and drink (full-service restaurant, farm-to-table restaurant, lunch place, café, breakfast spot, deli, bakery, tasting room)
- Food retail: locally owned grocery store, organic market
- Retail storefronts: unique and specialty goods
Activation GrantThe DDA launched its Downtown Alpena Activation Grant to support the creation and growth of businesses within Downtown Alpena and activate underutilized commercial space within the DDA district. Business owners or property owners are eligible to apply for grant awards up to $10,000 with a 1:1 cash match. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Proposed projects within the DDA district should:
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Rental Incentive ProgramThe Downtown Alpena Rental Incentive Program supports the creation of businesses within Downtown Alpena and fills existing vacancies within the DDA district. Business owners are eligible to apply for rental assistance through the program in partnership with the owner of the property they are leasing. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Each applicant must apply in partnership with their landlord and agree to the following rental splits with a 3-year minimum lease. Rental rate must be fixed for the 3 years. Months 1-12 Building Owner 40% | Business Owner 40% | DDA 20% Months 13-24 Building Owner 20% | Business Owner 70% | DDA 10% |
MEDC Grants
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.
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.
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.
Community Revitalization Program
The CRP program offers grants and loans to mixed-use redevelopment projects. A CRP grant cannot exceed $1.5 million or more than 50% of project costs. For larger projects, a low-interest CRP loan can be offered. Properties must qualify as functionally obsolete, blighted, or a historic resource. Local example: Red Brick Tap & Barrel (109-111 River St) |
Build MI Community Grant
This is a new grant program offered by the MEDC that operates similarly to CRP 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). Both grants are based on a funding gap, as identified by your lender. Local example: None yet |
Match on Main
Match on Main is a program offered by the MEDC for new or existing businesses to launch or grow downtown, with a focus on reactivating underutilized space. Grants up to $25,000 with a 10% cash match for capital expenses, addition of outdoor dining, or business/ marketing technology. The DDA selects and submits the application for up to two eligible businesses each round, which typically happens once/twice a year. |
Additional 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or 989-356-6422.
Low-Interest Revolving Loans Program
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 [email protected]
DDA Facade Grant Program
The DDA Facade Grant Program offers grants up to $10,000/ facade with required 1:1 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. Learn more here.
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or 989-356-6422.
Low-Interest Revolving Loans Program
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 [email protected]
DDA Facade Grant Program
The DDA Facade Grant Program offers grants up to $10,000/ facade with required 1:1 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. Learn more here.
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 [email protected]
