Program Overview

​The City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority (the DDA) established its Retail Recruitment Program to encourage existing established businesses to relocate or expand into the Downtown Alpena DDA district. The program offers grants up to $10,000 per business that can be used towards eligible expenses such as capital improvements, moving costs, signage, rent differential, and utility switchovers to their new location in Downtown Alpena.

Businesses must have been established for five or more years with a proven track record of success to be eligible for the program. Preference will be given to businesses that add to the diversity of businesses located in Downtown Alpena and fall in categories that align with the Alpena DDA’s strategic priorities. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by the DDA Economic Development Committee, whose recommendation goes to the DDA Board of Directors. The DDA Economic Development Committee meets regularly on the third Friday of the month at 8:00 am.

Please note that applicants must complete the application process before incurring eligible expenses through the Recruitment Grant program.  Any expenses incurred before a Grant Agreement is executed will be ineligible for reimbursement through the grant program.

Eligible Businesses

• Businesses must have been in operation for five years or more.
• Businesses must be entering a minimum three-year lease or purchasing property within the downtown.
• Businesses must be open to the public for a minimum of 48 hours/week.
• Preferences will be given to businesses that fall into the following categories:
  • Entertainment / Family
  • Apparel & Shoes
  • Sporting Goods
  • Bakery / Coffee Shop
  • Ice Cream, Candy, Fudge, Popcorn Shop
  • Full Service / Fine Dining, Grab and Go Lunch Stop, Bar, Craft Beer
  • Food Store, Organic Foods & Gourmet Goods 
  • Convenience Store
  • Home Goods & Gift Store
  • Non-Chain/ Non-Franchised Businesses

Eligible Expenses

​Businesses may apply for up to $10,000 in funding to contribute to the following eligible expenses:

• Moving costs, including movers and moving supplies
• Costs to change over or add utilities in new location
• Signage and awnings for new location 
• Leasehold / capital improvements in new location, including construction costs and fixtures
• Rent differential (up to 24 months based upon same square footage as site being vacated)
• Permit fees

Ready to learn more?

You can view the full Program Guidelines packet and application by clicking the button below. Any interested applicant will need to set up a Pre-Application meeting with the DDA Executive Director to ensure eligibility before beginning the application process. Contact Anne Gentry at 989-356-6422 or anneg@alpena.mi.us for more information on the program.

Recruitment Grant Program Guidelines & Application