State funding empowers small businesses in two active Lansing neighborhoods
LANSING, Mich. (July 17, 2024) - Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced support for 31 small businesses across Michigan through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main program. Of those 31 businesses, Downtown Lansing’s Veg Head and Old Town’s Sweet Custom Jewelry received $40,000 in grants.
“Sweet Custom Jewelry and Veg Head are immensely deserving of these grants. Both are standout small businesses in their neighborhoods, and I’m excited they’re getting recognition and investment from the state. Supporting and watching local businesses flourish is one of the best parts of being mayor, and I look forward to everything in Sweet Custom and Veg Head’s futures,” said Mayor Andy Schor.
The Match on Main Program was created to encourage resiliency and strengthen downtowns in communities throughout the state. Through the program, Veg Head, a plant-based restaurant in Downtown Lansing, received $15,000. The store opened in 2022 inside the historic Ranney Building and offers a variety of chef-made, vegan dishes and grab-and-go options for lunch and dinner.
“Through state funding like the Match on Main grant, small businesses in Michigan’s downtowns are not just surviving, but thriving, fueling growth and supporting the vibrancy of our neighborhoods,” said Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director of Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI). “We are thankful to have the state’s support in building on our history and empowering the next generation of legacy businesses downtown.”
Sweet Custom Jewelry received $25,000 through the program. The business is located in Old Town in a historic former bank building built in 1929 and is the only store in Lansing that does custom jewelry design from concept to creation by hand. The Match on Main grant funds support Sweet’s move to the former Grid location.
“We are so thankful for the state-led support we receive to help cultivate and sustain our vibrant business community as the cultural and creative district in Lansing,” said Samantha Benson, Executive Director of the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA). “We value our community partners and stakeholders who help make Old Town such an incredible Main Street.”
Helping businesses to open and grow is a key focus of MEDC. The Match on Main Street program provides opportunities for new and expanding businesses located in Main Street districts to grow and succeed. Get more information on the Match on Main program.
About Downtown Lansing Inc.
Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) is the downtown management agency dedicated to revitalizing and promoting economic development, urban planning, and community engagement in Michigan’s Downtown. A certified Main Street organization, DLI’s mission is to strengthen and nurture the culture, health, and sustainability of Downtown Lansing. Downtown Lansing is home to nearly 200 unique businesses, offering global dining experiences, wide-ranging retail offerings and unique events and attractions for all ages at all times of the day. In 2024, DLI received recognition as an industry-leading Main Street organization after being named a top 10 semifinalist in the 2024 Great American Main Street Award. Learn more about DLI at DowntownLansing.org.
About Old Town Commercial Association
The Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA) is dedicated to the revitalization of Lansing’s historic Old Town district. Through community events, economic development initiatives, and advocacy efforts, the OTCA works to preserve the unique character and charm of Old Town while fostering a vibrant and thriving community. Learn more about OTCA at ILoveOldTown.org.
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