Grow Your Business with Help from the DDA’s Merchant Grant Program

Are you a small business owner or community group within Downtown Ortonville? The Ortonville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is here to support your success!

Through the Merchant Grant Program, the DDA offers up to $250 per year in reimbursements to help you promote your business, collaborate with other merchants, and participate in community events.

This flexible grant is designed to strengthen our downtown by encouraging creative marketing, local partnerships, and community engagement—core values of the DDA’s mission to revitalize and support local business while preserving Ortonville’s historic charm.

This program covers a variety of efforts that promote downtown commerce and visibility. Some examples include:

• Downtown Dollar Events: Receive up to 50 customized DDA gift certificates to use in a promotional campaign designed to drive traffic to your business.
• Marketing & Advertising: Offset the cost of social media ads, print materials, mailers, or flyers. Need ideas? Contact the DDA to brainstorm ways to boost visibility.
• Supporting Local Events or Groups: Get reimbursed for sponsoring or participating in community events, school activities, or charitable causes that benefit the Ortonville area.
• Business Development Training: Use grant funds to attend workshops or classes that help you grow your business and gain new skills.
• Digital Services & Tools: Apply funds toward tools like email marketing platforms, SMS text services, website hosting fees, or Yiftee gift card interchange fees.
• Newspaper Advertising in The Citizen: Promote your products, services, or events with an ad in the local paper and receive reimbursement to help cover the cost.

How Much Can I Receive? Up to $250 per calendar year, either through one project or multiple smaller ones.

How Do I Get the Funds? This is a reimbursement grant, so you’ll need to submit proof of purchase or expense.

Are Grants First-Come, First-Served? Yes—funding is limited, so we encourage early application. 

Can I Collaborate with Others? Absolutely! In fact, we encourage joint efforts, and multiple merchants can apply for the same initiative.

Who Can Apply Businesses, nonprofits, service organizations, and congregations located within the DDA boundaries. 

Getting started is easy! Click below to download the Merchant Grant Program application and return it to the DDA office.

Download the Application PDF
Drop off: 476 Mill Street, Ortonville, MI
Mail: PO Box 84, Ortonville, MI 48462
Email: [email protected]