Applied Arts, a graphic design business in the Stevensville, has been awarded a $25,000 grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main program. The funds will support the renovation of the former Stevensville Post Office into the company’s new headquarters.
In July, the MEDC announced $1.49 million in Match on Main grants to 63 small businesses across the state. The program provides up to $25,000 in funding to new or expanding place-based businesses located within a state-recognized Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC).
“Match on Main is a critical tool for supporting place-based small businesses and communities across Michigan, serving as a catalyst in driving small business investment and opportunities for growth,” said Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President of Small Business & Talent at MEDC.
Applied Arts plans to renovate the former post office, built in 1963 and vacant since Black Arsenal moved out in 2022, and convert it into a vibrant creative workspace. The building’s revitalization will further strengthen Stevensville’s downtown corridor and support continued growth in the area.
“We feel like there’s an opportunity here that other communities further south close to the lake have already experienced, and we would like to be part of that growth,” Applied Arts Owner Tyson Thorne said.
Cornerstone Alliance, the lead economic development organization for Berrien County, supported Applied Arts in securing a tax abatement from the Village of Stevensville and provided technical assistance during the Match on Main application process.
“The Village of Stevensville continues to be a model for supporting small business growth,” said Marla Schneider, President & CEO of Cornerstone Alliance. “Through strategic partnerships and smart planning, they’ve created a business-friendly environment that allows entrepreneurs like Tyson to invest and thrive.”
The Village of Stevensville is one of only two state-recognized Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) in Berrien County. According to Cornerstone, this designation means the Village has implemented policies that encourage smart growth and remove barriers that often delay redevelopment. As a result, businesses located in Stevensville are eligible to apply for programs like the Match on Main grant—support that is only available within RRC-designated communities.
