Michigan Retailers Association Announces 2023 Downtown Grant Program

Communities in Northern Michigan Eligible for $7,500 Grant for Downtowns, Events

Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) today announced its annual Buy Nearby grant program to help communities promote downtown business districts. This year’s $7,500 grant, sponsored by Great Lakes Michigan Jobs, is open to communities in Mackinac, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Emmet, and Charlevoix counties. 

The grant is designed to help communities use out-of-the-box marketing strategies that drive business back to downtowns and business districts. 

“Michigan’s downtowns are the heart of our communities, providing jobs, opportunity and driving local economies forward,” said William J. Hallan, President and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association. “We are proud to partner with Great Lakes Michigan Jobs to provide dollars and support to Northern Michigan communities.”

The Buy Nearby campaign was established in 2013 and is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. The intent of this program is to inform Michigan consumers that if Michiganders redirected 10% of their estimated $30.3B in out-of-state spending, Michigan would gain $2.2B in gross economic output and $1.2B in increased economic activity, create more local jobs, and healthier communities.

​​All award requests must be submitted before 5 p.m. on August 15 to be considered.

SUBMIT A 2023 BUY NEARBY GRANT APPLICATION

GRANT BACKGROUND

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for out-of-the-box marketing strategies from communities, DDA’s or other business/neighborhood/community aligned groups that will drive business back to retailers and downtowns.

Send Us A Customized Marketing Campaign

MRA will work with your community to promote the importance of Buying Nearby and the benefit of spending these dollars in a community in Northern Michigan. Your submission will allow your organization to be considered for a co-branded customized marketing strategy.