Destination Business Grant Program
GDP + MDA
When longtime relationships turn into partnerships, exciting things happen! GD Placemaking has teamed up with the Michigan Downtown Association to create the Destination Business Grant Program, a new opportunity for small businesses in MDA member communities.
Program Info:
Who Can Apply?
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Downtown Organizations on behalf of Small Businesses located within a traditional downtown district in an MDA membership community.
Timeline:
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Announce Program during Spring Workshop, March 5, 2025
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Applications available by Summer Workshop, June 5, 2025
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Applications due to MDA by September 9, 2025
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Recipients announced during Annual Award Ceremony, November 6, 2025
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Course begins in January 2026.
What Will The Business Get?
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Jon Schallert’s 8-Week Destination Creation Course facilitated by Lindsey Dotson
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10 Months of Direct Technical Assistance
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Accountability Support
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Access to Experts and Resources to Assist in Areas of Most Need
Where will the services take place?
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The course will be offered virtually but live as a group with all selected winners as a cohort. Follow-up services will also be offered remotely with site visits as needed.
Application Process:
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Starting now, Member Communities can announce the opportunity to their business district and promote it directly to businesses that would benefit most.
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Solicit interest form submissions and review them locally using the scoring matrix provided.
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Select the top-scoring business to complete the application and submit to MDA by September 9th.
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The top three scoring applications will be awarded the service.
Coming soon!
Info Sheet
Presentation
