As a downtown, we love to see each other grow and expand their business and the offerings that they can bring to the community. This year, My Glass Wings was awarded a  $25,000 grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Match on Main Grant program. With this grant, the business is planning to use the money to transform their back storage area into a new educational and workshop space! This will also allow My Glass Wings to expand their retail offerings to downtown customers. They are planning to begin this renovation this spring season. We are so excited to have the chance to see them complete this project and expand their business.

My Glass Wings has been open in Downtown Alpena since 2004 and is currently the only stained glass studio in Northeast Michigan. You can buy their stained glass retail items, but you can also take the year-round classes and workshops that they offer for people of all ages. With these classes, My Glass Wings helps others to learn the art of stained glass making and repair, which is part of what makes it so unique and such an honor to have as part of Downtown Alpena.

The Match on Main program offers grants up to $25,000 with a 10% match for businesses that are launching or expanding in traditional downtown areas with a focus on activating underutilized space. This grant is typically offered twice a year. The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) applies on behalf of up to two businesses who want to expand or launch downtown. Previous Match on Main Grant award recipients have been Red Brick Tap & Barrel for their alleyway project, HopSide Brewery to purchase igloos and canning equipment, JJ’s Steak & Pizza House for the renovation of their event space on Fletcher St., and Presque Isle Farms Cider for the renovation of their taproom.

For further information about the Match on Main Grant program, please email us at downtownalpenami@gmail.com or message us on our Facebook page.