Two local businesses awarded a collective $46K in state grants

OTTAWA COUNTY — Two small businesses in Ottawa County received a collective $46,172.25 in grant money recently as part of a state reimbursement grant program. 

The grants were part of the Match on Main program through the state of Michigan, which distributed funds to 63 small businesses across the state. Fortino's, located in the heart of downtown Grand Haven, received a $25,000 grant, while Leaping Panda Hobbies in Hudsonville was awarded $21,172.25. 

According to the government website, the program "serves as a tool to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding for them to launch or grow in core downtown areas and commercial districts." 

This year, the program received a total of 133 applicants from 59 organizations — the highest participation rate in its five-year history.

"Michigan's small businesses are the heart of our downtowns," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer in a press release. 

"Today's Match on Main grants will provide 63 small businesses across the state with the support they need to grow, thrive, and create bustling, vibrant main streets. By investing in our communities and developing attractive places across the state, we will continue to make Michigan a place where businesses and families choose to locate, grow and succeed,” according to the release. 

The program recently doubled its investment for the program following a five-year program impact study. The Michigan Strategic Fund board approved a total of $1.5 million for the program in December 2024. 

Of the grant recipients, 17 are new businesses and 46 are existing businesses, including 20 restaurants, 22 retail establishments, four service businesses and 17 other businesses.

Fortino's 

Fortino's, a cornerstone of Grand Haven for over a century, will use its grant to make both interior and exterior improvements.

Chandi Paper, executive director of the city’s Main Street Downtown Development Authority said this is the fourth time Match on Main awarded a Grand Haven small business with funds.

“Fortino’s has been a cornerstone of our downtown for over a century, and this investment ensures its legacy continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. This funding helps us strengthen year-round vibrancy and support a business that’s deeply woven into the fabric of our community,” Pape said.  

“We’re proud to see continued investment in the small businesses that make Grand Haven Main Street so special.”

Kelly Larson, owner of Fortino's, shared her excitement about being selected from such a large pool of applicants, noting, "It's humbling — it's exciting to be able to kick off this project with help from the state." 

“It's humbling — it's exciting to be able to kick off this project with help from the state. Oftentimes, one project becomes that catalyst for many around, so hopefully this will be the start of many downtown,” she said. 

The last major changes to the store's infrastructure were six years ago, when the second floor was upgraded, and four apartments were converted into two short-term condos, she said. 

During that time, all the mechanicals upstairs and some on the main floor were upgraded. The original floors were also restored, and the windows were replaced with more efficient ones, she said.

The grant money will go toward replacing the windows on the main floor as well as siding and exterior signage, she said. 

That work will likely start in the spring of 2026. 

Leaping Panda Hobbies

Leaping Panda Hobbies, located in Hudsonville, plans to use its $21,172.25 grant for several strategic initiatives. 

According to Jakob Bigard, the city’s Economic Development Director, the grant will help the company include additional activities for the public.

“This Match on Main grant funding will help Leaping Panda Hobbies expand their offerings and further activate Harvey Street in Hudsonville's growing downtown,” Bigard said.

The planned improvements include expanding their product line, constructing a four-wheel-drive course, and renovating the store to accommodate increased display space, gaming tables, and a more inviting environment, according to the state’s press release. 

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.